Commissioners Begin Budget Process

Bladen County Commissioners are beginning the budget process for 2010-2011. 

The first step is to take a look at the past. 

Greg Martin provided the Board with a look at revenues and expenditures for the

past couple of years at the most recent budget workshop. 

Property taxes are the major source of County Revenues and they are expected

to be less this year than the past couple of years. Sales Taxes are the second

most important revenue source:

Budget Projections for FY 2009 -10 will end with a budget deficit of over $2 million.

With the economy in the doldrums, staff and commissioners are looking at options.

Martin listed a few in his preliminary information:

Hiring Freeze

No Capital Outlay

Authorized Mandated Travel Only

Across the Board Reduction

Furloughed Days for Employees

Reduction in Force

Others/Suggestions

The budget process has many steps and more working sessions.  The Manager's

suggested budget is usually available June 1.  Commissioners determine the final

budget and must approve prior to July 1.