Small Town News

Supervisors approve $104 million budget

---

Despite uncertainty regarding the fiscal crisis in the state of California and its possible impact on the county's funding streams, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $104 million budget on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Lloyd Keefer, chair of the board, called the budget "a moving target."

"This year we are suffering from combat fatigue with this budget because of the roller coaster ride we've been experiencing," said John Ketelsen, county administrative officer. "It's been an unusual year. This is the third effort at the state's budget, and every time they change anything, we have to change, too. We hope it's done. We hope it's over."

But Ketelsen said come October the county probably will be discussing the budget again.

Supervisor Jim Chapman noted the budget wasn't balanced because it depended upon starting balances.

According to the budget figures, the county begins the year with $32.6 million as a beginning balance.

The county estimates revenues of $93.7 million, and projects it will have $126.4 million available for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

County department heads requested $104.3 million, but Ketelsen budgeted only $104 million.

The county expects an ending balance of $22.3 million, using more than $10 million from its reserves.

Kevin Mannel, deputy county administrative officer for social services, noted the August vehicle registration fees are down by 27 percent when compared to August of last year. He said sales tax revenues are down 17 percent. Mannel said the county budgeted for a 10 percent decrease in sales tax revenues, which seemed fairly aggressive at the time.

"It's only a one month comparison," Mannel said, "but it's definitely revenue we need to watch."



Copyright 2009 Westwood PinePress, Westwood, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Westwood PinePress Westwood, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Westwood PinePress