The Watauga County Commissioners now have the task of reviewing the new Proposed County Budget For the 2012 2013 fisical year.
The budget totals for all funds is $54,561,785, which is a reduction of $3,698,538 from this year. The general fund budget totals $41,390,872. This budget represents a decrease of nearly 11 percent compared to the current year’s budget. Total general fund revenues equal $41,390,872. The recommended budget increases to the Sheriff’s Office funds by 3.6 percent and keeps education funds the same as last year. The packet noted that the “proposed budget keeps increases in expenditures to minimal levels, with most increases related to personnel costs, utilities, higher fuel costs, etc. Economic conditions have improved in some sectors of the economy, but the recovery continues to be slow.” The budget packet labeled the budget highlights, including maintaining the current ad valorem tax rate at $0.313, incorporating funding for consolidated dispatch with Town of Blowing Rock, Continuing existing service levels to citizens, Providing funding for demolition of old Watauga High School, which is now anticipated to cost $650,000 – down from original $1.2 million figure, and including funding for current capital projects. The Watauga County Board of Commissioners will conduct work sessions to review the recommended fiscal year 2012/2013 county budget. The work sessions will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. and Monday, May 7, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. in the commissioners’ conference room in the Watauga County administration building located at 814 West King Street. For information or questions, please call the county manager’s office at (828) 265-8000. The Recommended Budget will be available for public inspection on the County’s website, in the County Manager’s Office, and at the Libraries located in Boone, Blowing Rock, and the Western Watauga Community Center. A public hearing has also been scheduled for May 15, 2012, at 6:00 P.M. to allow citizen comment on the proposed budget.