The Kosciusko County Council adopted the 2009 county budget Thursday.
The adopted county general fund totals $18,086,945, only a 0.42 percent increase from the county's 2008 budget. The increase totals about $75,000, compared to a $2 million increase in 2008 from 2007.The budget includes a 3-percent raise for all full-time county employees. Two major factors that helped keep the budget increase relatively low this year included the state-mandated elimination of township trustees' duties and the fact that there will be no elections in 2009.
Before adopting the budget, council members discussed the down-scaled increase. Councilman Larry Teghtmeyer asked whether the county should increase its operating budget and ask the state for the maximum allowable tax levy. He said he was concerned the county could end up short on money in future years when the county needs more money if the council slows the county's acceleration on budget increases by asking for less than the maximum levy this year.
"We've always gone to the maximum levy because the state always pushes us to do so," Teghtmeyer said, "so, we don't get stuck later on. Maybe it's not advisable to reduce our levy below the maximum levy. If you don't raise that operating budget, you could possibly be penalized in future years."
Kosciusko County Auditor Marsha McSherry said it could take a while to find out the maximum levy the state will allow for 2009. McSherry said the county just received the numbers for the 2008 maximum levy Sept. 5.
Councilman Robert Sanders said he agreed increasing the operating budget might ensure the county has enough funds in coming years.
"I think we need that because we don't know what the future holds for us," Sanders said.
Council President Harold Jones said Teghtmeyer's and Sanders' concerns are valid.
"They penalize you for not raising all you can," Jones said, "and that's what's wrong with the system."
However, Jones said, he feels the adopted budget will stand up to the challenges of the coming year.
"I think we're okay," Jones said. "I don't foresee anything in coming years that will cause any problem."
The council unanimously approved the 2009 budget.
Councilman Brad Tandy was absent from Thursday's meeting.
