Saginaw County adopts balanced FY2009 budget, sets 2008-09 millage schedule

The Saginaw County Board of Commissioners adopted the countyannual budget for fiscal year 2009 and a millage schedule for the 2008 tax year. The package approved by the Board includes the General Fund operating budget, a multi-year capital improvement plan and a county fee schedule. County Controller Marc McGill presented the recommended budget and reviewed the most significant items, including revenue estimates and proposed appropriations.

The Board approved a combined county levy of 7.5508 mills for the 2008 tax year, which includes operating levies and debt millage. The budget package also contains a prioritized Capital Improvement Plan for 2009 and a fee schedule for county services. The Board discussed use of special revenues and directed that any grant-funded positions be contingent on outside funding.

During committee reviews earlier in the process, the Appropriations Committee reviewed grant awards and recommended adjustments to several special revenue budgets; the full Board approved those adjustments as part of the final package. The Controller will continue to monitor revenues and quarterly budget performance and report any necessary interim changes back to the Board.

The budget adoption followed public notice and a public hearing scheduled to receive comment. The Board voted to adopt the budget package by resolution. The Controller said the county will present quarterly reports to the Board and that departments should manage operations within the authorized appropriations and position control roster.

The most recent actions leave the county positioned to proceed with capital projects and required services while maintaining standard financial oversight and requiring departments to adjust where outside funding changes.