Commissioners press for clear year-end fund-balance estimate as fiscal year closes

Commissioners asked county staff for an estimate of what will be transferred into the fund balance now that the fiscal year has closed. One commissioner noted monthly spending averages "about 7,200,000 or so per month," and board members discussed that fire department payments and debt service are already covered and do not represent additional unplanned outlays.

County staff said they had not yet finalized a number and prefer to reconcile outstanding purchase orders and late June invoices before giving a firm estimate. Commissioners pressed for the estimate to be provided promptly once available, emphasizing the possibility of returning excess funds to county residents and asking staff to avoid simply deferring to the auditor as the reason for delay.