Scotts Bluff County Commissioners are wanting to get an earlier handle this year on their next budget.
That was one of several topics covered as Board members discussed some of the goals they want to achieve when putting together their 2024-25 spending document.
Mark Harris summarized two primary goals members seemed to agree on. “We’ll try to look at increases for employees, that would be one of the goals,” said Harris. “Certainly to me, the lowering of the mill levy, but in and of itself, we don’t know exactly what that means until we have a (county-wide) valuation.
Commissioners said they would like other elected officials and department heads to start off with the idea of a cost of living increase around three percent while keeping total county-wide spending limited to this year’s overall budget plus 2.5 percent.
Commissioner Russ Reisig said he would also like to see a commitment to providing the funding needed to continue with asphalt road improvements and bridge replacements, but Roads Superintendent Steve Baird noted that his projections are already running at a six percent increase in material costs alone. compared to the current budget year.
Even though there would be no idea of knowing exactly how much revenue will be coming in if they start early, Chair Ken Meyer asked Management Accountant Lisa Rien when they could begin discussions. “Lisa, is May too early to start that?”
“Oh, absolutely,” replied Rien, “unless you’re asking for numbers, and not asking for everything else.”
“Just numbers, as far as meeting with department heads, June, maybe? Is that too early?” asked Meyer, to which Rien responded, “Possibly.”
Board Members said the process would be easier by setting expectations of limited funding up front rather than making cuts at the end, which would also give some flexibility adding wish-list items if revenue comes in higher than initially anticipated.
