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County board to vote on lowering tax burden
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Barron County residents could see the lowest tax levy increase since 2005 if county supervisors adopt the executive committee's recommendations.
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At their Thursday meeting, the executive committee of the Barron County Board of Supervisors elected to use one-time monies to lower residents' tax burden in 2010.
The more than $16.89 million levy is an increase of $393,123, or 2.38 percent, more than last year. Committee members supported making a $375,381 balance transfer to make that number possible.
"This is the lowest tax levy increase since 2005," interim Administrator/Finance Director Jeff French pointed out. "On the flip side, we're creating a structural deficit."
Excess monies were also used to lower the 2005 levy. The recommendation goes before the county board Oct. 19.
French said some figures, including health care costs and wages, are still in flux as officials wait on union negotiations.
The county's sales tax income is projected to remain the same as last year, but so far revenue is lagging, French said. Officials hope a strong holiday season will reverse the trend.
Preliminary discussion on refinancing the county's debt was also on the agenda. French plans to explore options, including issuing bonds, and present his findings at a later meeting.
Incinerator
The Waste to Energy Plant's $500,000 Focus on Energy grant is galvanizing officials into securing financing for the turbine project.
The executive committee discussed two resolutions to bring to the full county board.
The first resolution would rescind a 2008 resolution to seek a state trust fund loan, because that funding is drying up, French said.
Instead, officials would look for the most advantageous loan, possibly from renewable energy project funding.
Members also talked about providing $1 million in interim financing to keep the project going.
Administrator salary
The executive committee approved setting the county administrator's salary at $85,000 to $115,000.
Consolidations
Consolidation of Health and Human Services with the child support agency and the zoning department with soil and water conservation, land information, economic development corporation and the forest and recreation department were approved.
The same consolidations have been effective in two other counties, French said.
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©The Chetek Alert 2009
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