County's budget deficit shrinks

November 28, 2001

County's budget deficit shrinks

By SCOTT BUTKI

An updated analysis places the Washington County government budget shortfall at $87,000 less than was earlier estimated, Budget and Finance Director Debra Bastian told the Washington County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

The revenues, as presented Tuesday, are $616,675 less than the amount budgeted.

At a Nov. 6 meeting, Bastian estimated the shortfall was $703,675.

The change is a result of adjusted estimates on revenues and expenses.

The county will continue to watch the budget carefully for any unexpected reductions in revenue or increases in expenses, she said.

At the commissioners Nov. 6 meeting, at Bastian's suggestion, all internal county departments were ordered to take a 3 percent cut to address a $703,675 budget shortfall. The cuts, which will still be made, are not to include salaries or employee benefits.

The internal cuts were a wise way to prepare for any additional shortfalls, County Administrator Rodney Shoop said.

Shoop said if there are additional cuts this fiscal year, which began July 1, they would include county agencies and the Washington County Board of Education.

Bastian said Tuesday that Washington County is to receive $700,000 less than anticipated in a state quarterly income tax revenue payment on Nov. 30. But, she said, other tax revenues are coming in higher than estimated.

Last spring, the commissioners approved a $129.4 million budget for the current fiscal year. With the lower estimated revenue, the budget is estimated to be closer to $128.7 million.

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