'Conservative' county increase OK'd

Red Willow County commissioners on Monday morning approved a $13,389,210 budget that will require $1.8 million from taxpayers in 2004-2005.

The levy -- $0.31 per $100 of property valuation -- has not increased for four years.

"This (levy) is commendable," budget coordinator Shirley Volz told commissioners during budget and tax-request public hearings Monday morning. The state-mandated levy limit is $.045, with $.05 allowed for interlocal agreements.

Commissioner Leigh Hoyt said increases in the general fund are mostly for wages and insurance. Commission Chairman Earl McNutt said the budget reflects the "worst-case scenario" on the insurance.

McNutt said that for several years, commissioners have prodded county officials to be "extra conservative" in their budgets. He said this year the commissioners gave officials more responsibility and more control by allowing them to determine their employees' raises, "and they still did very well."

Hoyt gave officials a pat-on-the-back, for "keeping their budgets in line."

The county's tax request increased $24,639, from $1,798,810 to $1,823,449. McNutt called the increase, "fairly conservative."

The complete budget was printed on Page 13 of the Sept. 8 issue of the Gazette.

Commissioners approved a motion to increase the base of restricted funds by an additional 1 percent above the 2.5 percent allowed by law.

Volz said this move would allow commissioners to increase taxes by up to $98,000 if it is needed. Volz added, however, "But we won't need it."

"Restricted funds" total $1,969,871.66, and include taxes paid to the county, payments in lieu of taxes, state prisoner reimbursements and highway allocations.