County reports $2.4M surplus as February tax settlements conclude

The Sawyer County Finance Committee convened on March 14, 2025, to discuss financial updates and budget performance for the county. The meeting began with a report on the February settlements, which concluded on February 7, resulting in total payments of $7,317,005.69. These settlements were approved by the Department of Revenue (DOR), marking the start of the tax foreclosure process, with 43 delinquent tax parcels being paid after notifications were sent out.

The finance department report highlighted a slight decline in sales tax for February compared to the previous year, although the combined sales tax for January and February remains strong, with projections suggesting a potential total of $3.5 million for the year. The budget performance for 2024 showed positive results, with sales tax revenue exceeding expectations by $159,000 and stumpage revenue significantly higher by over $800,000. Overall, the general fund reported a surplus of approximately $2.4 million, attributed to various departments performing well under budget.

The committee also addressed the financial status of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is currently facing a deficit of $1.566 million. The highway department is breaking even, but depreciation has yet to be accounted for, indicating a potential future deficit.

Looking ahead to 2025, the committee noted that revenues are low, as expected, while expenses are slightly under budget. The discussion included recommendations for utilizing the surplus from the general fund, including designating sales tax surplus as unassigned and transferring funds to cover HHS deficits and highway depreciation.

The meeting concluded with a proposal to allocate approximately $2.35 million from the surplus to various departments, ensuring a healthy fund balance moving forward. The committee remains focused on addressing financial challenges while maintaining fiscal responsibility.