Budget Recap Shows Positive Growth

Budget Director Michelle Casciato presented a budget update in Tuesday's Board of County Supervisors meeting, and the news is good.

The new advertised tax rate is $1.210 instead of $1.213,

Casciato said that the fiscal year 2012 – which begins July 1, 2011 – revenue projections have improved since the proposed budget came out in February. Residential real estate market values were estimated to rise five percent and now it has raised 5.24 percent. Commercial real estate market values were estimated to rise eight percent but now are expect to be 8.69 percent. 

Commercial and residential property values are starting to rise, which indicates signs of an improving economy.

, six police office positions have been restored thanks to state funding. State revenue net increase is $651,290 and this will restore "Police 599 funds" that were previously cut by the state. 

Additionally, health insurance costs were projected to rise 10 percent in the proposed budget, but the increase is only four percent, saving about $1 million. 

The board will adopt the FY 2012 budget on April 26 in a regular board meeting.