^The ANSON BIZ-ZINE
WADESBORO, ANSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, U.S.A.

     (June 23, 2008) -- On June 12, the Anson County Board of Commissioners adopted a $27.4 million budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09, which begins July 1, that does not include a tax increase.
     The FY budget is 4.5% greater than the FY 2007-08 budget and targets significant resources toward the commissioners' highest priority items -- buildings, capital improvements and employee compensation.
     The FY budget includes $16.25 million in County revenue (property taxes, sales tax, interest on investments, etc.).
     Of the $27.4 million budget, 87% will go toward mandated expenses (services the commissioners are required to fund by the North Carolina General Assembly -- for example, Medicaid, debt service, jails, health and human services, education). Further, 83% of the $16.25 million in county funding (the funds the commissioners have some control over) will cover three major categories of services -- education, public safety, and health and human services.
     The FY budget focuses on improving capital maintenance for county-owned facilities, schools and public safety; and directs $38,000 toward service enhancements, such as increased funding for high quality childcare subsidies, economic development initiatives, a spay/neuter assistance program, and additional resources for land-use planning.
     “The annual budget is a funding plan designed to assist the commissioners in making continuous progress toward the achievement of its Vision 2020 goals," said County Manager Andy Lucas. "For example, $191,000 additional county dollars have been appropriated to the Anson County School System and South Piedmont Community College to promote and assist public education.
     "Further, $32,000 has been appropriated to repair the roof and facade at the Anson County Cooperative Extension facility, and $200,000 has been appropriated to repair the roof and other water damage issues at the Anson County Courthouse. These improvements are part of the commissioners' commitment to providing adequate public facilities," Lucas said.
     Additionally, $7,000 has been allocated to construct a new basketball court at Little Park with new goals and an extended playing surface. This improvement is consistent with the commissioners' goal to expand and enhance recreational opportunities, he said.
     Ensuring a safe and secure community is another goal that received specific priority in the new budget. New capital items include a communications repeater to assist the volunteer fire departments and mandated rescue/life-saving equipment for both EMS and rescue squad personnel, Lucas said.
     Lucas said, the commissioners are also concerned about the growing problem associated with drug- and gang-related crime in Anson County. As a result, the commissioners provided funding for a full 12 months for a new drug officer's position which was only funded for one month during the FY 2007-08 budget year.
     What does the new fiscal year budget mean to the average taxpayer in Anson County?
     Essentially, the owner of a home valued at $100,000 will continue to pay $894 annually in county property taxes. Further, county residents will see building improvements to enhance customer service and energy savings, increased resources to recruit and retain qualified employees, improved emergency response communications, increased resources for drug enforcement, additional funding for economic development initiatives, and enhanced funding for high quality childcare subsidies, Lucas said.      For more information about the FY 2008-09 budget, call the county manager’s Office at 704.694.2796.