Oconee County reports $37.66M in general fund revenues through March; third-quarter expenditures at 63% of budget

During the county’s April 28 meeting, finance staff presented the third‑quarter FY26 financial update covering operations through March 31. Melissa told commissioners general fund operating revenues stood at about $37.66 million, roughly 82% of the amended budget, and year‑to‑date expenditures were $29.6 million, approximately 63% of the budget.

"Currently at 37.66 million which is close to 82% collected..." Melissa said, noting taxes were collected at about 83% and investment income had reached about 90% of expectations. She explained that certain line items—charges for services, intergovernmental revenues and fines—vary seasonally or depend on program staffing and timing.

Department-level highlights included personnel at roughly 72% spent, services and supplies at about 65%, and capital outlays at 38% spent year to date. Melissa also described capital and project updates: Veterans Park netting was completed, a jail water‑heater replacement finished, and the county received a transit van while a final F‑750 dump truck remained on order.

On sales taxes, Melissa reported a roughly 4% quarter‑over‑quarter increase in local option sales tax collections (about $3 million for the quarter) and similar gains for special‑purpose and transportation sales taxes, all near budgeted collection rates.

The water resources enterprise fund—Oconee County’s largest enterprise—showed third‑quarter revenues of about $12.7 million (around 50–51% of its budget) and expenditures of $11.3 million (about 38% of budget), with several long‑term capital projects still in process.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about department variances and upcoming fourth‑quarter transfers; Melissa said many differences were timing issues and that staff would continue monitoring through year‑end.

Why it matters: The update frames fiscal capacity for capital projects and service delivery, highlights timing-driven underspends in capital categories, and underscores near-term budgeting decisions such as consent agenda contract authorizations and budget amendments.