COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26th, for an emergency meeting for the purpose of making changes to the proposed budget in a timely manner in order to comply with the deadlines set by state law. The following Members were present for roll call: Jeff Ord, John Soucek, Roger Bohrer, Keith Buschow and Mary Delka . The Board reviewed recent information regarding the budget. Revenues from motor vehicle taxes will be included in the budget to offset tax increases. Three officials did not make the required 2% cut in their 4 department budgets and these cuts were made by the Board. The Board expressed their appreciation and thanks to the twelve officials that made from 2% to 5% in cuts to their 15 department budgets. The Board spoke to Linda Grummert, Highway Superintendent, by telephone conference call regarding bridges and road improvements. The Board received the report from the County Assessor regarding increases in county valuations. The new valuation included a “growth” factor of 9.7% for new construction and improvements to real estate. The county’s growth factor has only averaged 1.6% in previous years. A large part of this growth could be attributed to state central assessment for the new underground gas pipeline that had been constructed across the county. The Board discussed using this growth money to build a new bridge and to replace several culverts across county roads. The proposed budget may include a tax increase that would be below 9.7% in growth. Last year’s tax levy of 48.9 cents tax per $100 of value would be lowered to a levy of 42.8 cents. The Board will complete their budget proposals at the next regular meeting to be held September 1st. Being no further business, Chairman Ord adjourned the meeting at 8:00 pm. Dated this 26th day of August, 2009.