Quarterly finance report: Pickens County sees mixed revenue changes, 23% budget utilization after Q1

County finance staff presented the Pickens County first‑quarter financial report for fiscal year 2024 and highlighted revenue variances and departmental expenditure utilization.

Miss Miranda reported total FY24 quarter‑one revenues of roughly $4,000,371. She said taxes showed a $398,170 decrease year‑over‑year driven in part by a roughly 40% drop in motor‑vehicle tax receipts and timing differences in property‑tax collections. Building permits and license revenue rose by about $40,057, attributed in large part to increased alcohol‑license activity. Intergovernmental receipts declined by $83,532, which Miranda described as reduced grant activity year over year. Charges for services rose by roughly $60,043, mainly due to ambulance fee revenues.

Miranda also reviewed other fund activity: E‑911 and water fund revenues changed (water revenue increased approximately $248,869 over the prior year’s quarter), and sales of assets showed up in other financing sources. On expenditures, Miranda said overall general‑fund utilization was about 23% of budget through the first quarter (the presentation showed most departments at roughly 20–29% of annual budget depending on timing), with public safety and public works noted among larger program areas.

Chair added one clarification about water revenue, saying the county saw increased charges from two water suppliers that were passed through to customers and did not create a profit for the county. The presentation concluded with opportunity for board questions; no formal board action was taken on the report.