Budget talk inevitably factored into the discussions at last week’s planning retreat on how to move the county forward. County Manager Dennis Thompson reminded the commissioners of the strategies and priorities they adopted at last year’s budget retreat, which also occurred during a tough economic climate.
“You assumed an active, enthusiastic tone ... We again turn to you to clarify our mission,” he said.
As he pointed out, the first two parts of the planning retreat, financial and tax reports, would set the tone for the day.
Betty Taylor, assistant county manager for budget and finance, gave a budget update to the board. She highlighted things that stood out to her. One disconcerting number was the amount of property taxes and fees collected by the county so far. This amount is $27.4 million. Last year at this time, the county had collected $28.1 million.
A large funding dilemma for the next few years is paying for the numerous school projects that are underway. Taylor pointed out that the county has lost $1 to 2 million from the state in school construction funds over two years. So, $4.3 million will have to be used from the county’s general fund to pay for the schools over the next few years.
“We’re going to have three tough years,” said Taylor.
But she also pointed out that the county has saved millions of dollars on school projects by taking advantage of the favorable bid climate that now exists.
Taylor said, “I’m just amazed at what we’ve been able to do. I’m really pleased.” The commissioners agreed that the progress made has been truly amazing.
After the meeting, Taylor said, it is difficult to predict how much of a shortfall there would be in the county budget at the end of the fiscal year. She said officials have prepared to use $3 million to $4 million out of the fund balance this year, which is like the county’s savings or reserve fund. But she said this number could fluctuate greatly, even by a million dollars or so.
“There’s no way to predict it,” she said.
The county commissioners discussed different ways to save money at their planning retreat. One idea tossed around was a hiring freeze. So far the county has not frozen any hiring, just made an effort to have the county manager play a role in determining if a position should be filled.
To reemphasize this idea, the commissioners made a motion that the county manager must review requests before a person is hired. The board unanimously approved this motion. Commissioner Craig Hunter was not present to vote. He could not attend the retreat due to a business trip.
Joel Mashburn, Iredell county manager, spoke to the board during lunch. He talked about some of the strategies his county commissioners have taken to get through the recession.
With 35 years as a county manager, working in several different counties, Mashburn said, “Over the years, I’ve seen recessions come and go ... None have affected the counties I was working in like this recession.”
Iredell County has required five furlough days a year for county employees in most departments. The county is now looking at how to cut more hours across all departments, because it predicts a $5.5 million shortfall in its budget this year. It has put hiring freezes only on certain departments, depending on the amount of demand for the department’s services. Iredell cut 25 jobs in the county and has cut back on all capital purchases.
“And I fear the budget in the coming year will be more difficult to balance than the current year,” Mashburn remarked.
After hearing all of the cuts Iredell County has had to make in the past year, the county commissioners felt better about the status of Surry.
Commissioner Jim Harrell Jr. said at the end of the retreat, “We decided to not accept the recession and to keep providing services ... We’ve done a pretty good job.”
He went on to say, “I think we’ve done a good job not only getting new jobs, but maintaining the jobs we already have.”
Board Chairman Paul Johnson was pleased with the information provided at the retreat and the decisions made. He said, “It’s been productive as far as I’m concerned.”
The board made decisions regarding water and sewer projects and funding for several agencies before adjourning an hour ahead of schedule.
Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.
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