HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1893REQUEST FOR ADOPTION OF FY 1998-991REDELL COUNTY BUDGET:
Chairman Haire said many hours had been spent reviewing the budget. The commissioners and staff
had met four different times to scrutinize and study the material,
MOTION by Commissioner Stewart to adopt the FY 1998-99 Iredell County Budget.
Commissioner Boone said that at the agenda briefing he initiated a discussion about the tax
rate. He pointed out that this year the county was in a fortunate financial position where the tax rate
could be reduced by a penny and not significantly deplete the fund balance. He said he felt the board
should reduce the tax rate because government should never take a penny more from the people than
what was absolutely necessary. Boone said he felt strongly about the matter, however, he knew that
if a motion were made there would not be enough votes to support it. Commissioner Boone said he
did want the minutes to reflect his tax reduction suggestion. Boone further said there had been a
large increase in revenues in the past two years. Property tax receipts increased 8.8% this year . -
just from growth. Unfortunately, much of the money tended to be "frittered away" on current
expense items. He said if the money was to be extracted from the citizens that it should at least be
reserved for long -tern capital expenses. This might save some debt "down the road."
(AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION by Commissioner Boone to take $710,000 out of
undesignated fund balance and transfer to the capital reserve fund. (He said the budget ordinance would
need to be corrected by increasing the expenditures for transfers to other funds by $710,000. Then, under revenues,
increase the fund balance appropriated line item by $710,000)
Commissioner Johnson said he understood that nothing specific was being designated for
capital projects. Boone said this was correct - - whatever came up in the future.
Chairman Haire said she wanted to make sure the county maintained enough in fund balance
to meet the Local Government Commission's requirement.
Commissioner Boone said if the $710,000 amendment were approved the fund balance
would be at 14.5% which was well above the requirement. Boone said he agreed the county fund
balance should stay well above what was required.
Commissioner Stewart said that putting the money in a capital reserve fund was just one
motion away from pulling it out of a capital reserve fund. Stewart said she resented being classified
as a "fritterer" with tax money. She mentioned that she watched every penny, and spent it just the
same as if it were her personal money. Boone said he did not mean to insult anyone.
Commissioner Fortner reiterated what Chairman Haire said about much time being devoted
to the 98-99 budget review. Fortner said that if Mr. Boone had made his suggestion at one of the
earlier meetings it might be better received. She mentioned the money was just as secure where it
was already budgeted.
Commissioner Boone said this year's budget had a large increase in salaries. Commissioner
Fortner said that many companies used temporary personnel agencies when there was extra work.
Mrs. Fortner said she knew some county jobs could not be done by temporaries; however, some
could and this service should be used rather than hiring new people. In addition, Fortner said she
was an advocate of paying overtime to county employees when needed. She mentioned that many
county employees had second jobs. Paying overtime would be less expensive than paying for fringe
benefits associated with new positions.
Chairman Haire asked the finance director about reducing the fund balance from 15.8 to
14.5% and if this would affect the county's position in borrowing money. Blumenstein said it would
not affect it.
Commissioner Johnson said the amendment would "inject a little discipline" on the board's
par.