The current draft of Marion County’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year shows a deficit of $264,860 according to finance committee chair Christopher Krupp. Krupp says work continues on identifying discrepancies in the budget and having it ready to vote on in the first December board meeting. Board member Steve Whritenour suggested holding an informational meeting for the board to go over all the details of the budget before voting on it. That informational meeting is now planned to take place December 10 at 5 PM, ahead of the regular board meeting, with Bellwether present to help answer questions about the budget.
The county had a deadline to have the budget ready by the end of November. Because the budget has been delayed by uncertainty about the county’s revenues and remaining balances, the county will miss that deadline.
In an update on the FY22 audit, Krupp said that despite setbacks, the hope is that the audit will be “substantially completed” before the holidays. Once the FY22 audit is complete, Krupp says work will immediately begin on the FY23 audit.
Krupp also confirmed the previously voted-on county levy increase of 3.4% would remain at the value the board had voted on. There will be no sudden changes to the levy without another vote, which is not expected to happen.
A motion to approve a bid for an emergency backup generator and UPS electrical project was tabled. The bid was from TOP Electric and Lighting for $326,500. Chairwoman Debbie Smith noted that the cost of the backup generator project could be paid by a loan the board has already approved. The cost of the backup generator is separate from the cost of courthouse window replacements, which have already been approved at $403,000, also paid for through a loan.
In public comment before the meeting, Kaskaskia College president George Evans talked about the college’s economic impact and value to Marion County and the other counties it serves. Evans cited a study conducted this year that shows the college generated $132.7 million in added income across the college district for the 2023 fiscal year.
The board acknowledged the departure of three members following the November elections: Bill Henson, Steven Bradley, and Dr. Creighton Engel. Debbie Smith handed each departing member a plaque and thanked them for their contributions.
