County Board reveals budget deficit of $3.1 million during review meeting

The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary matters, including property tax assessments and upcoming budget reductions. The meeting highlighted the county's financial landscape as it prepares for the fiscal year ahead.

A significant topic of discussion was the property tax assessment notices sent to residents in March 2024. The county's rollback rate for property taxes was set at 47.4316%, meaning that a property valued at $110,000 would have a taxable value of approximately $52,172. This information is crucial for residents as it directly impacts their tax liabilities. Officials emphasized that the figures presented are maximum estimates and do not necessarily reflect the final tax rates, aiming to alleviate concerns among residents regarding potential increases.

The board also reviewed the current budget situation, revealing a general basic fund deficit of $2.1 million, down from an initial deficit of $3.6 million. This improvement was attributed to newly identified revenue sources that had not been previously budgeted. However, the overall net deficit remains at $3.1 million, which raises concerns about the county's financial health. The board is tasked with finalizing the budget by April 1, 2025, and plans to hold additional work sessions to discuss potential budget cuts and improvements.

In addition to the budget discussions, the board is considering a reduction of $104,000 in equipment expenses for the sheriff's office, which could further impact the deficit. The supervisors are also looking into unbudgeted mobile home taxes that could provide additional revenue, potentially improving the county's financial standing.

As the board prepares for the upcoming budget adoption meeting at the end of April, the discussions from this meeting underscore the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency in managing the county's finances. The next steps will involve careful consideration of budget reductions and the finalization of the budget to ensure the county remains within its financial means while addressing the needs of its residents.