County treasurer reports revenue cooling after pandemic rebound; fund balances used to smooth operations

County finance staff presented the quarterly financial update, showing that several locally important revenue streams—local option sales tax, recorder fees and building permit activity—have slowed following large rebounds in 2021–2022. The department said year‑to‑date local sales tax growth has returned to roughly 4% and that the county is drawing down fund balances accumulated during the high‑growth years to maintain operations.

Staff said some capital projects have been delayed (notably Highway 40 work) and that departments are being asked to monitor overtime and spending closely as the county finalizes audit items for 2022. The finance director warned that departments running hot on overtime and storm‑related costs (snow removal) may require budget amendments later in the year.

Councilors asked about the interplay between revenue expectations and the FY24 budgeting cycle; staff said they would provide scenarios and options during the normal budget calendar and noted that final audits and some grants remain to be booked.