County's spending plan predicts 2014 shortfall of $171,782

The Perry County Board placed on file for public inspection a 2014 budget showing a deficit of $171,782. The board plans to adopt the budget at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. The regular meeting date was pushed back one day to allow the budget to remain on file for 15 days.

Little has changed over the past year. The 2013 budget predicted a deficit of $160,627.

Most county employees are guaranteed an annual raise through their union contract. The office holders' budgets reflect modest increases in employee salaries. Likewise social security and IMRF expenses increase each year.

Fixed health costs are fairly static; the line item increased from $715,000 to $720,000. Perry County is partially self-insured, which carries a risk. Over the past several years, the county has spent around $900,000 on health costs. The county paid $921,975 for health care costs in 2011 and just under $909,000 in 2012 The cost for health care in 2010 was between $850,000 and $900,000. In prior years it reached as high as $1.2 million. Final costs for this year will be determined later.

Salaries for elected officials did not change except for Treasurer Bill Taylor who drops from $51,920 to $38,940?

County Clerk Josh Gross, Supervisor of Assessments John Batteau and State's Attorney David Stanton all have decreased budgets.

Also down are the line items for the Jail and Planning and Development. Jail operations and maintenance increased by $3,000 over last year.

Costs at the courthouse increased only $800 over the previous year while court costs, the Regional Office of Education, Public Defender and salaries for the County commissioners stay the same.