County’s budget does well in May
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:24 p.m., June 13, 2008
Updated 01:24 p.m., June 13, 2008
Lyon County commissioners received a good financial report for May at Thursday’s action session, but were told to remain cautious as expenses continue to rise.
Bob Agler of A&M Consultants reviewed the May financial report with commissioners.
“The report on balance is a very positive report,” he said.
Year to date revenues exceeded the budget by $300,000, Agler said. However, interest on some funds is starting to drop back off.
“The estimate that Dan (Slater) gave us early in the year is it ought to come out pretty even,” Agler said.
Several funds are over budget, Agler said. Solid Waste is over because of fuel costs, Road and Bridge is over because of personnel costs, the county’s multi-year fund is over because of unbudgeted expenses. Overtime, however, is only slightly over last year’s figures.
“It’s staying in line really close,” Agler said.
Agler told commissioners to expect departments which consume fuel to go over budget.
“On balance, any of those departments that are fuel-intensive we’re probably going to have to look at altering the plan. ...” Agler said. “We just can’t go through and exceed budgets.”
Commissioners were reminded that what happens in 2008 will affect the 2009 budget carry-over.
“When projecting for next year, we can’t assume that we’re going to have a balance carry over like we’ve had for the last few years if it’s not going to be there,” Agler said. “Now is when we’ve gotta be really careful of it because we could find ourselves with a budget that can’t be funded.”
In other business, commissioners held a public hearing on the county’s five-year bridge replacement plan. The plan was approved on a 3-0 vote. The bridges on the plan are:
• A bridge 6.4 miles north and 4.5 miles east of Olpe
• A bridge 2.5 miles south and 2 miles East of Bushong
• A bridge 2.1 miles north of Allen
• A bridge 2 miles east of Admire
• A bridge 4 miles south and 4 miles east of Americus