Franklin BOC to Hear FY16 Budget Draft Proposal Monday

The fiscal 2016 Franklin County budget is going to be a challenge.

That’s according to County Manager Beth Thomas.

Thomas is putting the final touches on the FY16 budget, which she plans to present to the Board of Commissioners Monday night.

According to Thomas, the Board will have some tough decisions to make this fiscal year.

“The County is facing certain issues with both a drop in property tax revenues and sales tax revenues,” Thomas said Thursday. “That becomes a challenge when your revenue streams are decreasing. In addition to that, you have rising costs in providing services. You have unfunded mandates from the State, such as juvenile court representation for all parties involved are all driving costs up.”

What that means for the taxpayer, as far as making cutbacks or raising the millage, Thomas said, is up to the Board. Without going into much detail, Thomas said the Board will be looking at all options.

“The County Commissioners are committed to reviewing everything in detail and considering all options, which I think is the most fiscally responsible thing to do,” she said. “There’s only so far you cut in certain area. I think the County has done a very good job in years past in maintaining certain cost levels.”

After her presentation Monday night, the board is expected to determine the schedule for public hearings and final passage of the FY16 budget.

Franklin County’s fiscal year begins July 1.