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Knox County balanced budget leaves general fund reserves depleted heading into 2017

The Knox County Finance Committee met last night and discussed their financial future heading into 2017.

Treasurer Robin Davis told committee members the county’s general fund reserves are depleted at year end with a $110,000 deficit to the fund itself. This after the county board approved a balanced FY16 budget, last month. 

A number of county department funds also ended the year at a deficit or have minimal amounts remaining with expenses still set to occur. 

Some of those include a $451,000 deficit in the Mary Davis home fund, and $795,000 deficit in the county nursing home — each with low reserve totals and minimal expense amounts to pay bills.

Davis says her concern is if the state were ever to delay sales tax payment to the county.

“It has never happened yet, but if it does, that could effect your public safety funding,” Davis told the committee. “Right now your contingency funding has no reserves, either.” 

In other news, the committee verbally approved amending two liquor ordinances so Hidden Hills Winery can serve spirits in a tasting room and banquet hall. 

Some discussion took place regarding the amount of alcohol able to be served under the amendment. The county made a deal to coordinate the amendment by the end of the year, but County Clerk Scott Erickson says it could be amended further if needed. 

The county board will need to formally approve the changes, next week.

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