On December 18, 2013, the county board set its 2014 budget and levy. They were able to decrease the levy by $4,213 from 2013, coming at $6,104,890 with $513,241 to be taken out of the county’s fund balance.
The board had worked with department heads throughout the fall to keep the budget down as much as possible. Starting in 2014, the county will be exempt from paying sales tax, saving an estimated $62,000. The commissioners took $13,000 out of their budget for mileage, travel, and other expenses and voted to pay $25/month toward their health insurance. Their salaries and per diems ($100/day for approved meetings other than county board meetings) will stay the same.
Commissioner Jan Hall opposed the health insurance contribution on the grounds that commissioners do not get step or cost of living increases. Commissioner Heidi Doo-Kirk is not on county insurance.
According to a document from the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office, “If all employees were on single coverage for 2014 we would save $755,310.” Step increases will cost approximately $38,809.
“I think it’s important that we set an example,” Commissioner Sue Hakes said. Keeping their costs down shows that they’re “part of the team,” she said.
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