CLARK CO. BUDGET FIRST TO INCLUDE SALES TAX REVENUE
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 -- 10:59 AM
Clark County?s Board of Supervisors will get a look at the proposed 2009 budget next week.The Finance Committee has put the finishing touches on the $59-million spending plan that will increase the tax levy the maximum 2-percent, but also reduce the tax rate.
The budget will be the first in Clark County history that will include revenue from a sales tax. The board approved the tax earlier this summer. The half-percent tax goes into effect January 1st.
According to Finance Manager Terri Domaszek, the committee took a conservative approach, budgeting for an additional $835,000 from the tax. Estimates by the state UW-Extension office said the county will likely receive around $1.5-million.
Department heads were encouraged to cut spending by 3%, but also told to present a realistic budget.
Despite the extra revenue, the budget still spends down existing fund balances by $2.4-million; only slightly less than the current year?s budget. Domaszek said there are too many variables to predict where that will leave the county at the end of 2009.
The tax rate is expected to drop from $7.00 per thousand dollars of property to $6.71, due in part to increase property valuations.
The budget will be presented to supervisors at their meeting next Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Clark County Courthouse.
This year?s budget hearing will be November 12 at 7 p.m.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.