County commissioners to keep mill levy stable, taxpayers will see increase
Hard decisions
Marion County commissioners approved the annual budget Monday. It is being published this week in all three Marion County newspapers.
Although the tax rate would stay the same, Marion County hopes to collect a quarter of a million dollars in additional taxes next year because of increased property valuation.
The budget reflects the same mill levy, 51.077 mills, as the 2001 budget. However, dollars will increase about $251,415 because the assessed valuation of property increased almost $5 million. The proposed 2002 county budget totals $4,424,963.
"By holding the mill levy, I feel pretty comfortable," said Commissioner Bob Hein.
Commissioner Howard Collett said the budget can only be described as a tax increase because people with higher valuations will pay more.
"It doesn't have anything to do with what they do there (in the appraisal office)," Collett said. "It's how much we decide to spend up here."
Commissioners said most county departments did a good job maintaining their budgets to no increase except for necessary equipment needs and expected wage increases.
Nothing is final until the budget is approved Aug. 20. Even then, commissioners can move dollars within a particular fund. However, the budget can't go above the bottom line amount that is published in this week's newspapers, unless another notice is published.
Commissioners spent much of Monday afternoon trying to decide how to best allocate money among available funds.
They cut or deferred requested budget amounts in several funds, particularly those for road and bridge and the sheriff's department.
Road and bridge budgeted carry-over was decreased by about $75,000 so that money can be used to buy road patching material available this week. The millings, ground up material from extensive highway repairs in the area, is available for $3.75 per ton delivered, compared to a regular price of $5.75 or more per ton. The material will be stockpiled and used for upcoming county projects.
"We need that money now, this week," Hein said.
"After they (the contractors) finish U.S.-77, we'll be paying $6 to $7 per ton for millings, because all the nearby projects will be over," Chairman Leroy Wetta said.
Funding for two new patrol cars in the sheriff's budget were removed. The budget does provide funds for an additional deputy, two in-car video cameras, and possibly a set of scales. The portable scales will be used to checks heavy trucks and ensure they meet proper weight limits.
Commissioners want to set weight limits for about 250 miles of paved county roads. They want the sheriff's department to enforce these limits, but officers can't do so without scales.
Originally, commissioners had considered sharing the cost of a "weight limit" deputy with McPherson County, or using reserves. They changed their minds because they thought unscrupulous drivers would figure out the routine and use county roads when the deputy wasn't on patrol.
"We spend a lot of money on those roads and we have to protect them," Collett said. Trucks that exceed weight limits will use state and federal highways.
Six funds show a zero budget for 2002 but they aren't being dumped. Instead, the six funds -- community college tuition, extension council, mental health, mentally handicapped, soil conservation, and special fair building -- are being shifted to line items within the general fund. This will make it easier for clerical staff to track, officials said.