That’s just slightly under 2020′s 8.9% projected sales tax revenue increase, a good sign that Clark County was able “financially weather the COVID storm,” Commission President Melanie Flax Wilt said.
“Clark County was able to financially weather the COVID storm by making tough decisions last years, and that put us in a stronger position for the coming year,” Flax Wilt said.
Money collected from sales tax makes up roughly 60% of general fund revenue in Clark County.
The budget, which was approved at the commission’s regularly scheduled Wednesday meeting, includes about $148.1 million in non-general funds. Non-general funds include things like utilities and federal pass-through dollars used by the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services.
The county used about $7.5 million in carryover funds from 2020 to balance the budget, according to a statement from the county.
Also included in the budget is a 3% cost of living raise for non-collective bargaining unit, or non-union employees.
It’s the second year in a row the county has included a raise for non-union employees. Last year, a 2.25% cost of living raise was included in the budget.
“I think the cost of living will go this year for lots of folks, so I’m happy about that,” Commissioner Richard Lohnes said.
County departments like the Community Improvement Corp. (CIC), the Clark County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Clark County Ohio State University Extension received about $3.7 million combined for capital projects and operating money.
“We continue to focus on updating technology and facilities to make county government services more accessible for all, improving economic opportunities and keeping our community members healthy and safe,” Flax Wilt said.
One of the capital projects will include $750,000 funding to be used to renovate the first floor of the Clark County Municipal Court building this year.
The largest expense found in the 2021 budget is about $15.3 million that will go to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, up slightly from $14.8 million last year. The sheriff’s office regularly has the highest expense as it runs several agencies, including the Clark County Jail.
A jail assessment and feasibility study conducted in May 2019 found numerous critical issues within the Clark County Jail. Since then, the county has made some small improvements over the years that are expected to continue.
The Board of Clark County Commissioners oversees 10 Clark County departments with more than 100 employees, as well as the budgets of 13 Clark County elected officials.
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