1. With an estimated $4 million to $5 million extra included in the payroll (see worksheet below) for the 2025 Budget (presumably earmarked for future CIP roll over), why would we need to add an additional $157,000 in tax levy increase to pay for a new economic development position? Wouldn’t the excess budgeted amount cover the additional cost of the new position?
If this new position is needed, why would this proposed new position not be added to the County Treasurer’s office since it seems to be intended to address reducing the number of tax deed properties? Is internal County politics involved in placing this position outside of the Treasurer’s office?
2. What was the rationale behind the decision to increase taxes by shifting $1.5 million in debt service from sales tax to debt levy, instead of maximizing the increase in operating levy as Administrator Leonhard has often advocated?
Please note that I am certainly not advocating for a larger tax increase. I would just like to understand the rationale for allocating the proposed tax increase in the method chosen.
3: What are the plans for the remaining $2,351,258.50 in ARPA Funding? Is there any reason that $1,740,185 of the remaining ARPA amount could not be utilized in the 2025 budget, eliminating the need for any 2025 tax levy increase?
I have additional questions, but these are a good start.
Please Note: This spreadsheet is available for download in the Reference section.
Mark your calendar for 3:00 pm on Friday, November 1st.
REFERENCE:
Payroll Worksheet:
NOTE: Amendment 1 Passed at HRFC, so now it would take an amendment at the full County Board Budget meeting to remove the added taxes from the 2025 Budget.