Subcommittes report to County Council

The County Council met this week and heard reports from the Highway Subcommittee, Budget & Finance Subcommittee, and the Job Classification and Compensation Subcommittee.

Jim Masterson from the Highway Subcommittee reported that the pothole patching machine was purchased. Brandon Schradck noted that the condition of roads in some subdivisions needed attention.     

Tim Harman from the Budget & Finance Subcommittee said he had good news.  While they haven’t met since the last council meeting, he did say, “The money looks very good.”  His projections show that if the council doesn’t do anything different, the General Fund will have $11.3 million and the Rainy-Day Fund will have $4 million at the end of the year. He said additional spending could affect the balances.

The annual budget passed last year was $42.8 million, including the General Fund and all the special funds.  Harman said the cash balance at the end of July was $43.7 million.

Harman mentioned that the State Comptroller was bragging that they had an 11% budget surplus, and he told the council, “We have a 100% budget surplus.  We have enough cash in the bank right now to pay for the county government going forward if we have no revenue coming in.”  He clarified his comment, saying, “That doesn’t mean that we don’t watch this wisely and responsibly and go on a spending spree.”   

Harman said there are dedicated funds that the council can’t touch, but the General Fund and Rainy-Day Funds have more flexibility.  “The financial picture in Marshall County is very, very good. All that $47.3 million isn’t up for grabs, but it puts us in a very good position.”  He also said revenue continues to come into the county monthly.

The report from the Job Classification & Compensation Subcommittee was short.  Councilwoman Nicole Cox said they haven’t met, but they have been working on a recommendation for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program for their next step.  They are finalizing details and will bring that forward next month.