After a lengthy discussion about the 2025 budget, the Houston County board of commissioners decided to postpone adopting the proposed operating budget at the September 17 commission meeting. This delay allows for a more detailed review of the line items. A decision on the proposed 2025 budget will be made at the next commission meeting.
The board did adopt the proposed 7.5% tax levy by roll call. Commissioners Dewey Severson and Robert (Bob) Burns voted against the levy while the other three commissioners voted in favor of resolution number 24-35. After accounting for the County Program Aid (CPA) of $1,447,069, the levy stands at $14,737,549.
The budget breakdown includes $8,991,368 for county revenue, $2,831,164 for road and bridge, $2,975.823 for public health and human services, and $1,386,263.00 for the bond fund (2020A Jail bonds) under resolution number 24-35. The proposed levy, after the deduction of the CPA, will be applied to all taxable property in Houston County for taxes payable in 2025.
The real challenge now lies in finding ways to cut costs. Several options were discussed during the meeting, though no decisions will be made until the commission meets again on September 24.
Chairman Eric Johnson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, leading his fellow commissioners and the audience in the pledge.
Commissioners present included Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre.
The agenda was approved as amended, and the minutes from the September 3 board meeting and the September 10 work group session were unanimously accepted.
There were no public comments, appointments, or consent agenda items.
In other business, the commissioners:
- Approved County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski’s request to transfer $62,906 from the County’s State Aid Municipal allotment to the regular construction allotment as it exceeds the maximum unencumbered allotment in order not to be penalized a fee.
- Approved the airport T-hangers and the fencing project, with the county contributing $51,500 for the T-hangers and $3,727 for the fencing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) will cover the remaining costs of 95%.
- Approved the foster care transportation agreements.
- Appointed Cindy Wright to a three-year term on the Economic Development Board (EDA) effective September 17.
- Authorized Interim Administrator/Finance Director Carol Lapham’s request for departmental credit cards for the personnel and highway department.
- Unanimously approved the bills.
The commissioners went into closed session at 10:28 a.m. for labor negotiations. The board returned from the closed session without making any decisions. The meeting was adjourned at 11:06 a.m.
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