Barron County reviews Q1 finances, highway facility progress and ARPA plans; short-term deficit noted

Barron County officials reviewed first-quarter financials, project status on the highway facility and plans for American Rescue Plan Act spending at the May 20 county board meeting.

County Administrator Jody presented the quarter-one close, saying revenues were roughly $11.5 million versus expenditures of about $19.2 million, leaving a deficit near $7.6 million — a seasonal result the county covers with its fund balance. Jody noted specific variances: a revenue decrease of about $93,217 compared with 2023, a tax levy and sales tax increase of roughly $197,006, and intergovernmental revenues up about $201,000 due to timing changes in state payments. Jody said the fund balance as of March 31 was approximately $8.2 million and would cover the seasonal shortfall.

On the highway facilities project, staff reported a remaining balance around $99,000 and said punch-list items and monitoring would be discussed at a scheduled meeting the next morning. The board was told the project was still within the modified budget and that some final contract close-out work remains.

Regarding ARPA funding and the county campus, officials said one bid put a previously planned software/renovation project over budget, and an architect recommended bundling and rebidding certain scopes, including the Sally Port, in an August'October window. Staff (Jeff and Jody) said they would continue planning to determine which projects to move forward with and the timing of any borrowing or rebids.

Jody also noted upcoming tours (highway facility June 17, waste-to-energy site moved to September) and said further budget and stop-loss discussions for health insurance will occur in a July closed session. No public comments were recorded on the financial presentation.