The Clay County Board of Commissioners have approved a budget of just under $20 million for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
County Manager Debbie Mauney presented the details of the $19,820,418 budget during a public hearing on Thursday, June 17 in Hayesville. The board unanimously approved the proposal, which does not include a tax increase for citizens of the county.
"All proposals within the general fund are based upon a budget with a continued tax rate of .43 mills per $100 of value, therefore we do not recommend any tax increase for the citizens in the county," Mauney said.
"It reflects the positive involvement of departments and agency leadership to accomplish the board of commissioners goals to ensure prudent and best use of the financial resources of the county, while minimizing the tax burden on the taxpayer and maintaining a fund balance that ensures three months of uninterrupted government services."
As part of the new budget, the board extended contracts with Clay County Attorney Merinda Woody and Certified Public Accountant Shawn Long.
Rob Peck, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, touted the board's ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and highlighted reduced debt service even with the expense of building two significant facilities this year.
"I just want to note that, since fiscal year '16-17, not including the current year, but through '19-20, we returned $2.7 million back to the general fund," Peck said. "From last year's budget to this year's proposed budget, we've reduced our debt service by almost $700,000 and that's with building a new primary school and a new sports complex."
The 2021-22 budget includes a 3 percent cost of living pay increase for county employees. Mauney said the county places the "highest of priorities on health and well-being of employees and families."
Mauney also highlighted the county's recent renovation of the senior center, its focus on upgrading water and sewer and services, and a 42 percent increase in budget for local law enforcement during the past five years. Moving forward, the county will also work toward establishing a $2.5 million 911 center facility which Mauney described as "crucial to county preparedness."
Vice Chairman Randy Nichols thanked Mauney, Administrative Assistant Betty Bradley and the various department heads for their work on the budget.
"You've always known that this board is a board of conservatives," Nichols said. "You've always kept that in mind when we go through this budget process without raising taxes and try to keep the burden as low as possible on taxpayers, which has always been my goal and always will be."