The Scoop - February 3, 2014
Posted by Phil Hayne
on Feb 13, 2014
Jay Begg reports a flat budget during his State-of-the-County speech.
Meeting was called to order by President Mike with Gary Bright providing the Invocation and the Pledge.
Sergeant –at-Arms : Cindy Wood - reported that 63 members were present at the last meeting and introduced several guests: Mayor David Berger, Mike Carpenter and Corey Noonan.
Fred Seelenbinder provided an update on the “Every Rotarian Every Year” program which encourages members to contribute $100 year to the Rotary International Foundation. President had set a goal of $19,000 and we are currently at $8,000. We are far from a 100% participation. Fred encouraged members to “get on board” and contribute.
Judge Warren provided a brief update on the Drum Corp. They are available to perform at functions. Members can contact him.
Induction of new members: six (6) new members were inducted – Mike Lamb, Chuck Wolfe, Jacqi Bradley, Art Brinkman, Andy Farley and John Ficorilli.
Program: State of the County by Commissioner Jay Begg
Highlights included:
- Revenue is flat and hovering around the $24 million level
- Sale tax has been on an upswing and makes up 61% of all revenues
- Coming close to being debt free on capital expenditures covered by General Operating Fund
- Judicial/Public Safety expenditures make 60% of total expenses
- 2013 capital budget was $1,880,000 in 2103 but was not all expended. The Casino revenues will help with future expenditures and anticipate about $2million this year.
- Another focus is on Economic Development with emphasis on workforce development
- Need to develop long range budget planning and move away from a year to year approach.
- Quality of life: Dogs and Ditches keeps the Commissioners “awake at night”
- Good news from some of our local companies: Husky, Potash, Bob Evans are all investing heavily in capital improvements.