Warren County budget shows first spending increases since 2009

County Commissioners said the 2013 budget is a sign that Warren County is beginning to emerge from tough economic times, a success they credited to their conservative philosophy regarding spending and budgeting.

The county budgeted $64.6 million in expenses for 2013, a 4.49 percent increase over last year. It’s the first significant spending increase by the county since 2010 when commissioners ordered a 5 percent decrease from expenditures. The budget has grown by 1 percent or less the following years, according to county records.

The county’s biggest expenditure came from the leasing of new radio communication equipment at around $1 million.

Many of the major increases in expenses came from the criminal justice departments within the county. The county’s coroner position is being converted from part to full time. The county is also hiring a new full time investigator for the coroner’s office as well as adding positions in the probation and community corrections departments. The county is planning to either build a new structure or expand its common pleas court building to deal with the increased demands on the court system. The new building is projected to cost about $6 million. Employees also will receive a 2 percent raise over their base salary.

The county’s final revenues are expected to be around $62 million for 2012, Zindel said. The county’s expenditures for 2012 are estimated at $61.8 million. The county’s revenue expectations for 2013 are $57.1 million, but the commissioners said they always try to estimate conservatively. The county expects to take in approximately $2 million in revenue from casino taxes, although the state has stated they expect the revenue generated to be between $3 and $4 million for the county.

Commissioner Dave Young said Warren County reacted more cautiously than other counties when told about potential revenue increases, like the casino revenue, which is why they were in a better financial position.

“We take the approach to not even believe what they are telling us — that’s why Warren County is different,” Young said.

“I’m pleased with this budget. I think we have been able to maintain operation adequately,” said Commissioner Pat South. “Unfortunately, the increases primarily that are in here are for criminal justice, an area of government that we really have no control over except for finding the money to pay for it.”

“I think the numbers show that being conservative has worked well,” said Commissioner Tom Ariss. “The numbers have been outstanding. We try to do things efficiently and when you walk on our campus, everything is paid for.”

“We have a great staff who we’ve asked to do more with less and they’ve performed,” Young said. “We thank our employees who really act like they are business employees.”

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