County begins budget process

The Custer County Commission got its first look at the projected budget for 2010-11, and if it remains as is, the county would spend either $6.734 million or $6.796 million, depending on whether or not raises are given to county employees. Either budget will be a small increase over last year’s budget, which was around $6.56 million. However, because this is only a projected budget, all the figures can change before the budget is officially approved.

The commission heard from all the county department heads at its July 21 meeting, and the only budgets that came under much scrutiny or changed much from a year ago were the county’s highway budget, which is a separate fund, and the sheriff’s department budget, which is part of the general fund.

County auditor Linda Nelson said the general fund budget would be $3.85 million without raises, leaving the county with $900,000 in excess funds. If the raises are instated, there would be a revenue shortfall of around $40,000. However, she added the county does have $1.5 million in reserves to fall back on if needed. The raises being considered are a 25-cent-per-hour raise for all employees, and a $1,500 a year raise for all department heads. Each budget proposed by the department heads showed what the budget would be with and without raises. Last year’s general fund was $3.84 million.