Commission adopts $4.8 million budget
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Despite a $260,000 shortfall in projected available funds, the Jenkins County Commissioners adopted its 2008-2009 budget of $4,874,178 with no planned tax increase. The action came during a called meeting of the group Wednesday, July 9.

Chairman James Henry reported that preliminary figures reveal that the local gross tax digest is down $2.5 million from the previous year and that exemptions on taxable property has increased $9.9 million over the previous year due to local participation in the CUVA program which allows farm and timber landowners a 10 percent reduction in property taxes. The end result of these occurrences, combined with the loss of industry, is that county revenues could be reduced by as much as $140,000 and expenses increased by $120,000.

The commissioners plan to use surplus funds accumulated from previous years to balance the budget. This means, however, that several county projects such as road paving and courthouse repairs must be put on "hold" as the commissioners had previously planned to fund those projects with the surplus revenue.

It was also noted that maintaining a balanced budget would require the cooperation of county department heads and elected officials.

"It is going to be critical that we not have any departments overspend this year," Chairman Henry said.

The commissioners agreed to ask department heads and elected officials to: keep expenses as low as possible through October, at which time the financial circumstances can be better assessed; delay non-essential purchases until after October; actively search for ways to reduce expenditures; actively pursue the collection of revenues due each department; and monitor department budgets frequently to prevent overspending.

It was also noted that budget reductions of 3-5 percent might be required after January to balance the budget if revenues fall short of projections.

In addition, the commissioners agreed to ask for support and cooperation from the public in their efforts to reduce expenses. It was suggested that citizens could assist with keeping trash picked up around dumpsters, refrain from littering along highways and perform small tasks such as "unclogging" driveway sewers themselves.

Adoption of the county's millage rate will come at a later date, after the local tax digest information has been approved by the state.

In other action, the commissioners adopted a resolution of approval for a Georgia Heritage Grant proposal. The grant, if awarded, would provide funding for a feasibility study to review the Jenkins County Courthouse and make recommendations on needed renovations. The grant would provide $18,000 for the project, and the county would be required to fund $7,200 of the cost.