Council/commissioners to meet in joint session
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

The consensus in Carroll County is that the county government is very short of, or out of, money. Residents have asked repeatedly how the county got into this condition. Answers were given sporadically, if at all. But the situation is one with which the county as a whole must contend.

According to end of the year reports from the auditor's office published in the Comet, Carroll County's general fund receipts (income) in 2003 were $2,673,012, but disbursements equaled $6,176,780, making the deficit $3,503,768. The story then begins to unfold.

A slightly different picture emerged in 2004 when receipts totaled $7,794,008 and disbursements were $6,568,310, which gave the county a $1,225,698 cash surplus for that year. However, 2005 expenses more than eradicated the surplus of the previous year. Receipts were listed as $5,399,993 and disbursements at $6,691,260, which left a deficit of $1,291,267. In 2006, receipts were $5,880,042 and disbursements were $7,011,727, which provided a deficit of $1,131,685.

The 2007 budget appropriations were approximately $7.1 million. The 2006 income was approximately $5.9 million. Another shortfall of well over a million dollars is expected for 2007.

In the years since 2003, survival depended upon the available cash reserves of the county. However the county no longer has a cash reserve to fall back on. Reserves have most likely been depleted in past years due to spending more than income received.

To address pressing financial issues for the county, the council and the commissioners scheduled a joint session for tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend. Issues will be identified and strategies to improve the county's financial situation will be discussed.

Council/ Commissioners joint meeting agenda

property •Veterans' burial expense

ordinance •Fees for departments - EMS,

health department, transfer

station •Carroll Manor and custodians

(prom/dance fees) •Senior citizens 2008 contract •Local income tax option •Police consolidation •Finance committee •EDIT money usage •Policies - credit card, cell

phone reimbursement and payroll, compensatory time and overtime for county personne