CANTON: Stark County government’s general fund appropriations are nearly $64.3 million this year, or almost 10 percent less than last year’s $70.6 million. The total includes spending supported by the 0.5 percent justice system sales tax.
Sales tax revenue is expected to be lower this year than it was last year.
Chris Nichols, director of management and budget, said 2015 saw the highest collection on the county sales tax in history, nearly $28.8 million. But income was down by a total of $248,179 in December, January and February compared to corresponding months from previous year.
Nichols said it was the first time since the sales tax took effect in 2012 that collections were down for three straight months.
Last year’s revenue included a one-time insurance settlement of $691,772 for voting machines ruined by water from a failed roof.
Totals from 2015 reflect higher capital spending, including $1.9 million for a new jail roof and $1.08 million for drainage projects.
This year’s budget, approved by county commissioners on Wednesday, includes less capital spending as officials prepare to replace the emergency radio system. Motorola will stop supporting the existing equipment in 2019. Replacement cost is estimated at $9 million to $15 million.
The difference between appropriations for 2015 and 2016 narrows when capital expenses are excluded. Operational spending of $62.55 million this year is 5 percent less than last year’s.
This year’s revenue is expected to be nearly $64 million, down about $2.1 million from 2015.
A total of 70 percent of all spending goes toward justice system costs such as county and municipal courts, the sheriff’s department and corrections, Nichols said Tuesday in a presentation to county officials.
The county’s share of the Multi-County Juvenile Attention System for young offenders will be $4.15 million, $300,000 more than last year.
In other action Wednesday, commissioners agreed to seek bids for remodeling the clerk of courts’ space in the Stark County Office Building at an estimated cost of $260,000. The work has been in the planning stages since 2007, according to County Administrator Brant Luther.