JEFFERSON – Ben Wehmeier, Jefferson County Administrator, gave the Board of Supervisors their first look at the recommended 2019 budget for Jefferson County at their monthly meeting on Tuesday.
The proposed budget gives a total revenue of $81,080,576. This is an increase of $8,735,879 from 2018.
This increase comes from the use of one-time capital funds. These funds will go towards upgrading the communication system for the Sheriff’s Department, the cleanup and restoration of the area around the new county highway shop, new bike trails and heavier investment in county roads.
The bulk of the revenue is coming from a total property tax levy of $29,650,834. This includes a non-countywide tax levy on the Health Department and County Library System of $863,411 and $1,151,011 respectively.
An increase in the revenue will also come from sales tax, including sales tax on purchases from online stores. Wehmeier gave a “conservative” estimate of $6,325,000 added from the sales tax but expects the actual number to be higher.
The 2019 budget also sees a 4.07 percent decrease in the mill rate from 2018. The countywide mill rate has now returned to a level similar to what it was before the 2008 market crash. Meaning, tax rates have reached a normal level for homeowners in the county.
“We’re very proud of where our budget is tonight,” said Wehmeier, as he highlighted the communication and effort all the committees put into the budget.
Wehmeier spoke about many of the positives of the financial outlook of the county.
Jefferson County has limited debt. The only debt the county still faces is from the new highway shop. There is $14.27 million left in the project. It is expected to be paid off with ease.
Wehmeier also discussed the implementation of a strategic plan for the budget. This plan would focus on shared services, hiring new staff assistance, farmland preservation plans, housing studies and several other topics looking at the future of the county.
“If we can have a better impact being scientific… that’s some data we need to look at,” said Wehmeier. “Then we can look at [our goal] if it was achieved or not.”
Despite many positives for the county, it still faces some challenges.
Jefferson County faces problems related to the opiate crisis, which adds some financial strain, and is an issue faced by all departments.
There has been a loss of population in some municipalities, resulting in a conversation about how to attract new employees and businesses.
There will be a hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 23 where the public can give feedback on the budget.
The Finance Committee will then review proposed amendments on Nov. 8. The budget will be approved after considering the amendments on Nov. 13.
The proposed budget is currently on the county website.
In other action, the board on Tuesday:
- A resolution was read in remembrance of Leon Zimdars who passed away on Sept. 30. Zimdars served on the County Board of Supervisors from 1988 to 2000.
- Approved the sale of surplus real estate at the Lake Mills Highway Satellite Shop to highest bidder Chandler White for $60,000.
White had originally bid $140,000 for the land but rescinded his bid when he learned the land was 1.5 acres, not three as he previously thought. White then bid $60,000 which was accepted as being the estimated fair market value.
- Disallowed the claim of Jeanne Vonachen for a refund on the cost of admission and reserved tickets she purchased to see Travis Tritt at the Jefferson County Fair, which was cancelled due to inclement weather.
The denial was based upon the disclaimer printed on the fair concert tickets.
- Approved the purchases of new snow plow trucks and equipment.
Twelve trucks will be purchased from Lakeside International for $887,234.
The purchase of equipment including plows, spreaders, hydraulic controls and salt brine tanks will be through Monroe Truck Equipment and cost $1,187,520.
- A proclamation was read announcing National 4-H week as Oct. 7 through Oct. 13.