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Commissioners pass
2012 budget in deficit
Lack of local funds from Columbus will make additional impact on the
budget
By Bob Robinson
Darke County Commissioners passed their 2012 budget Monday showing more
than a $330,000 shortfall. It was not unanimous, as Commissioner Diane
Delaplane cast the negative vote.
According to Darke County Auditor Carol Ginn, the estimated revenue for
2012 is $14,486,552.67; the estimated appropriations are
$14,816,739.85. This leaves a deficit of $330,187.18.
“I can’t use phantom revenue to make the budget balance,” Ginn said.
“If things don’t change, this is what we’re looking at next year.”
Commissioners weren’t available for immediate comment.
Ginn noted in her letter to the commissioners that the reasons for the
imbalance are: projected revenue is lower for some departments,
interest rates remain low, state budget cuts are forthcoming and
projected one time revenue for the sale of county assets has not yet
taken place.
The letter did not say which county assets were under consideration,
but strongly recommended that the proceeds be used to pay capital debts.
Ginn said that, based upon the above information, Darke County Common
Pleas and Sheriff’s budgets had been reduced back to their 2011
appropriations level, as all other departments had already done.
“As it stands for the 2012 Budget, the County Commissioners have chosen
not to make any other cuts at this time.”
She noted that the Wagner Complex was still not self-supporting and the
commissioners must start paying on the principal and not continue
rolling the note paying interest only.
“Eighteen years is left to pay on this note and it is imperative that
principal start being paid even if it requires use of County General
Fund proceeds.”
She indicated that the deficit could be impacted by a projected 2012
sales tax revenue increase that could take place after June when the
monthly state garnishment will be paid in full. She added in the
letter, however, that the amount of state local funds still hadn’t been
established.
On Tuesday Ginn said that she had just heard from the state regarding
local funds.
Funding in 2010 was $272,000. This year it will be approximately
$92,000. Funding for 2012 will be zero.
She said that a Budget had to be submitted by July 15, but it doesn’t
have to balance. The Appropriations budget at end of the year must
balance.
Ginn said that some counties and cities aren’t required to submit a
mid-year budget. Darke County does because the Budget Commission never
did away with it. The Budget Commission is composed of Ginn, Darke
County Treasurer Scott Zumbrink, and Darke County Prosecutor Kelly
Ormsby.
See below Resolution (R-138-11) Acceptance of the 2012 Budget from
Monday’s minutes. The complete minutes will be posted on Monday.
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