The annual budget ordinances and multiple zoning matters were the main topics of discussion at the Dec. 2 Randolph County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Auditor James Schmersahl was on hand to discuss the budget with the commissioners. He noted that the actual budget for the 2019 fiscal year showed a deficit of $299,102.17, but that is slightly misleading.
He elaborated that due to real estate taxes being late this year, approximately $500,000 would be received from that in fiscal year 2020 instead of 2019. “If we had received those on time, there would have been a surplus.”
Going further into how real estate taxes would affect the 2020 budget, Schmersahl noted that in addition to reflecting those not collected in 2019, the new budget includes assessment increases.
Overall, for the county’s revenues, he stated they did better than expected. In addition to the amount of fees collected being up, Schmersahl highlighted that the county jail housing federal inmates has been a significant revenue source that continues to grow.
For more from the Board of Commissioners meeting, please see this week’s print edition.