FY 2024 County Budget Plans to Maintain Millage Rate

Henry County adopted its annual budget in mid-May. The FY 2024 county budget plans to maintain the current millage rate.

The next budget year begins on July 1, 2023. The total budget equals $232 million in expenses.

FY 2024 County Budget

The county budget will increase 7%, or $15 million, from last year to now. The largest increase — $10.3 million — is set aside to implement the county’s class and compensation study. The county conducted a class and comp study over the last year to compare county employees’ salaries with other governments. The county has about 250 vacant positions at the moment.

The board has charged county management to bring forth the implementation plan for the comp study by the mid-June meeting. In addition, the board has asked staff to look at reclassifying positions based on need. For example, if DOT has vacant work crew positions, but needs more equipment operators, then the department head and county manager could approve this change. Because of the current vacancies, the FY 2024 budget did not add any new positions.

Budget additions also include $2.8 million for the pension and health insurance costs. The county typically absorbs health insurance cost increases for its employees. Finally, increases for food and medical costs at the jail were $1.8 million.

Budget Breakdown

Revenues

Property tax is the primary source of revenue for the county budget. Henry County projects $125.7 million in property tax revenue. Sales tax revenue is the next largest at $56 million. Other funding sources, like charges for service and fines, make up the remainder.

The county budget intends to maintain the current millage rate. This equals 12.733 mills for unincorporated residents. The board will formally adopt the millage rate in July.

Expenses

Slightly over half of the county budget goes to public safety. This amount, $117 million, covers police, fire and the sheriff’s departments. Next, general government expends $46 million. The judicial system spends $26 million. Public works costs $14 million. Other departments, such as recreation and leisure services, are each below $10 million.

Featured image shows the county admin building. Clayton Carte photo.