Clark County projects $2M shortfall in 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Clark County’s 2011 preliminary tax budget still doesn’t hold much good news.

A presentation by Assistant Clark County Administrator Nathan Kennedy Tuesday, July 13, showed more of what officials already know: revenues are declining and expenditures must be cut in order to have a balanced 2011 budget.

“It looks like even with the continuation of the (temporary) half-cent sales tax, we’re going to be about $2 million short,” said Commissioner David Hartley.

The half-cent hike is set to expire June 30, 2011. It brings the current sales tax rate to 7 percent, with 5.5 percent going to the state, and 1.5 percent coming back to the county.

Clark County Commissioner John Detrick pointed out that current budget projections don’t include additional cuts from the state.

“We’ve still got a lot of variables out there that could go against us,” he said.

But there is one bright spot as 2010 sales tax revenues through June total $6.4 million, which is not as high as 2008, but is an increase over 2009, Kennedy said.

“Things are turning around,” he said. “They’re not back to what they were, but it appears we may be bottoming out.”

Some departments are also trying to come up with ways to either generate revenue or cut costs further. As examples, Kennedy noted the sheriff’s office’s pursuit of grants and the community development department taking advantage of some retirements and attrition.

“With some luck and efforts like these, we might be able to pull through this next budget cycle with minimal cuts to services and no actual layoffs,” Kennedy said. “Nonetheless, 2011 will be a tough year to get through.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.

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