WCC approves new budget but without tax increase

CLEVELAND - The White County Board of Commissioners has given final approval to a tight fiscal year 2012 budget but without having to raise taxes.

County Manager Carol Jackson, detailing the budget in the second public hearing Monday, prior to its approval, said economic conditions weighed heavily on the spending plan.

Commissioners took quite a bit of time to work on a final piece of the budget, the funding formula for the White County Chamber of Commerce, which received a slight percentage decrease in funding.

The budget was trimmed by almost $450,000 and commissioners say that will help hold the millage rate at the same as last year. Commission Chairman Travis Turner said the budget be under constant review by the commission and county staff during the coming year. (Click on the link below to access the complete budget.)

Commissioners also tackled the construction cost of the new county convenience center (a drop-off for recyclables and trash and garbage), which each of the commissioners feel is way out of line.

They want to cut about $50,000 from the cost. Tough state DOT regulations concerning the right of way entrance, a required retention pond and the amount of asphalt needed for the project pushed the projected cost way past what county expected