In a matter of minutes Tuesday morning Allen County commissioners, with the assistance of CPA Rodney Burns sharp pencil, whittled the first draft of their 2018 budget from a levy of 78.572 mills to 63.9. This years levy was 64.010 mills.
With the countys assessed valuation having increased by a touch over $4 million to $145,375,124, one mill raises $145,375.
The initial budget was figured on a worst-case scenario, observed Commissioner Jerry Daniels, acknowledging such a significant increase wouldnt hold.
On the third draft, commissioners agreed to lower the mill levy by a smidgen.
Commissioners will vote next week to send the budget to publication and a public hearing.
As it stands, commissioners will have authority to spend nearly $10.9 million within confines of the general fund, or about $3.5 million more than this year with about $3 million of that carried forward as part of a cushion that has accumulated from increases in assessed valuation from appraisal of the Enbridge pipeline and its pumping station southeast of Humboldt.
By the numbers, expenditures for the coming years general fund are expected to be $10.058 million, raised from property taxes.
Overall, the budget puts spending authority at $21.5 million.
IN OTHER business, commissioners:
Were told by County Clerk Sherrie Riebel advance voting for the Aug. 7 primary would start today in her office.
Approved purchase of 12 cushioned chairs for the Iola Senior Center at $80 each.
Had no objection to a cereal malt beverage license for an Allen County Fair event at Humboldt Speedway.
Agreed to pay monthly cost of about $32 for a storm siren in Mildred, which no longer is an incorporated city.
