A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2010 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.
The public hearing on the county budget was held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, December 14th. There were about 12 people in attendance. Here is the budget overview that was given.
2011 Steele County budget Review
46,715,657 2010 Actual Budget
39,604,784 2011 Proposed Budget
7,110,873 Net Decrease = 15.2
Primarily due to bonds for Hwy work that has been completed
18,893,063 2011 Proposed Tax Levy
18,598,518 2010 Actual Tax Levy
294,545 Net Increase = 1.6%
Where the 2011 Property Tax Dollars Go?
Law Enforcement/Safety (31.0%) 5,877,239
Human Services/Health (17.3%) 3,257,660
Bonded Debt (13.8%) 2,605,170
Public Works (12.9%) 2,432,171
Court System (10.8%) 2,032,506
Other (14.2%) 2,688,317
Total Property Tax 18,893,063
County Program Aid Reductions
2008 318,137
2009 239,793
2010 486,852
2010 377,495 Market Value Credit
Total 1,422,277
2011 County Program Aid 1,666,283
Budgeted Reduction 666,283
Balance 1,000,000
2011 Budget Increases
Jail 153,775 Not receiving as much revenue from other areas using the jail Probation Services
122,434 Court ordered probation for juveniles has gone upCoroner
15,000 More professional coroners office and they need aides to assist
Total 291,209
They have gone to a high deductible health plan that the employee picks up half the cost.
There was a lot of discussion regarding the 26,890,792 in outstanding debt. The bonding debt was for the county building, the detention center and the jail and some maintenance to the court house. There is also a bond for 3,545,000 for the Cedarview Nursing Home. The tax debt for the Cabela’s Three Corners has been paid off.
There were questions regarding the 3 million dollar reserve account and why the 200,000 needed for the levy couldn’t be taken from there. According to the commissioners the state recommends that you have a reserve of 50% which would be about 10million rather than the three they currently hold. Commissioners expressed concern that they would not be able to build that back up and they need that reserve for cash flow since they only get paid twice a year.
The presentation for the taxes was given. Agriculture tillable land was not increased but waste and woods were.
The breakdown of taxable property for Steele County is Residential 52%, Farm 31%, Commercial 11%, and Apartment 3%.
The portion paid is Residential 51%, Farm 23%, Commercial 20%, Apartments 3%
Commercial rate decreased 9.3% and Residential increased 9.12%.
The DM&E railroad sold some of their lines and paid less income tax therefore increasing property taxes for everyone else.
Tom Shea stated that they have no ability to change what they are doing because they are mandated by state statutes.
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