Wednesday, July 2, 2003
|
Wednesday, July 2, 2003 |
County approves $66m budgetBy JOHN
THOMPSON
With little fanfare and no public comment, the Fayette County Commission Thursday passed its operating budget for this year. The new total $66 million budget started Tuesday, and is $1 million less than last year's budget. "That's almost unprecedented in government," said Chairman Greg Dunn. General funds account for $44.6 million, which is $319,000 less than last year's budget. Dunn explained the board also plans to lower the millage rate this year, but said the school board's millage increase could have some residents playing slightly higher taxes this year. "We have no control over the school board's budget," the chairman added. In crafting this year's budget, Dunn said the county added no new positions, but retained its commitment to public safety. While the Sheriff's Department was seeking 34 new employees this year, Dunn said 80 employees had been added to the department in the last two years. He said the total budget for the department had increased by $1 million this year, while most other departments saw their budgets decrease. The county has also embarked on a $50 million capital improvement program that will be funded in the next several years. Dunn complimented the staff for their hard work on this year's budget and hopes to see it continue. "I'm amazed the system has worked this well," he said.
|
||