Cass County review - The 2009 Budget

By BRIAN L. BAKER, Associate Commissioner, Cass County
President Thomas Jefferson once said, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to
set them to rights.”
Nothing can be more productive than government providing its citizens with information about actions taken and efforts made. One of the most important aspects of the County Commission is to plan and approve the annual budget. It is our duty to make sure that local tax dollars are used in a wise and efficient manner.
GENERAL BUDGET
INFORMATION
The Cass County Budget for 2009 was officially adopted on January 29th, 2009. This year’s budget for all fund categories is approximately $38.9 million, an increase of approximately 1.5% from the amended budget of 2008. Cass County expects a small increase in revenue and has essentially flat-lined most budget lines.
Citizens should note that specific fund categories must be used for their designed purposes per state law. While it would appear there is a great deal of revenue, citizens should understand that fees and state dollars received by these various funds must be counted as revenue, but those funds are designated and must be used as state law or county ordinance mandates. The
elected officials who oversee many of these categories have agreed to take their surplus in revenue and help the county fund services and use tax dollars more efficiently. Specifically, the Assessor, County Clerk, Collector, Prosecuting Attorney, and Recorder of Deeds have agreed to take a portion of their surplus and provide the county with revenue needed to provide services.
This cooperative spirit of your elected officials is an example of government working for the people. We should also note that much of the revenue collected by the county goes to pay off voter-approved projects like the Justice Center.
The 2009 budget a 3% cost of living increase for regular county employees. The county only provides $300 per month to county employees toward their health insurance costs. County employees pay the rest of their healthcare costs.  
DESIGNATED FUNDS
PER STATE LAW
Of the 33 fund categories in the county budget, 28 of the fund categories are ruled by state law or county ordinance and must be used as designated. Over $16 million in county funds are designated by Missouri law and funds can be only be used for specific fund categories such as Assessor’s Office, Road & Bridge, 911, Delinquent Tax Fund, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Recorder of Deeds, Elections, Grants, County Clerk’s Office, County Collector’s Office, Drug Court, and other services.
Within the general budget there are several funds that are controlled by county ordinance. For example, several years ago citizens approved a one-quarter cent sales tax for law enforcement and it must be...
Read the complete story in the February 5th edition.