Budgeting

[mwalker]

Generally when budgets for the County are developed, more often than not, the previous years budget is used either by the departments or by the budget committee and commission. When doing this we are budgeting for annual operating expenses and not for increased or expanded services that maybe required.

Currently on the County Commission we are not supposed to propose a expenditure without a revenue source. I would propose something similar for a change that is proposed that would increase the need for expansion of services. There should be a funding method/source proposed for service expansions needed during the planning phases.

Many times increases in maintenance of service expansions add to the following years budgets, which may be cover by increases realized from the growth in tax revenues. But this increase can not cover the initial cost of the implementation of the expanded service(s).

Current practice is to issue bonds after the result is realized. This is putting us behind the curve.

How and what ideas can we come up with to put the County Commission a proactive mode instead of a reactive mode as it relates to growth in Blount County?

Thanks!