By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—The Henry County Commissioners Monday evening approved on first reading the 2018-2019 budget which will maintain the current property tax rate of $2.09. Second and final reading of the budget will be held at a meeting Monday, July 30.
County Mayor Brent Greer presented a summary of the budget, noting, “This is a good budget. We have no increase in our property tax rate. There are revenue challengers ahead, but those have been taken into consideration in this budget.”
The county general fund’s estimated fund balance on the new budget is $2.63M, which is less than the current fund balance of $2.85M. The general purpose school fund balance is identical at $6.47M. Greer said, “I’m glad we can spend the money we can for education in Henry County so we can be competitive in our area.” He thanked County Director of Schools Dr. Brian Norton for completing the bus garage “with your own reserves”.
The highway fund estimated fund balance for the new budget is $1.41M, which is less than the current budget of $1.89M; debt service fund is $1.865M, up slightly from this year’s at $1.83M; and the solid waste fund estimated fund balance is at $518,163, less than the current year of $541,666.
Greer noted, “This is a well put together budget and thanked County Budget Director Patricia Hollingsworth and commissioners.
Commissioners also approved first reading on the list of 22 county non-profit organizations. Total of funding for the organizations is $95,685. Second reading will also be held July 30.
In other business, Juvenile Court Judge Vicki Snyder presented an overview of the county’s new CASA program, an acronym which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Snyder said she investigated the program for two years before deciding it would benefit Henry County, noting that CASA is made up of volunteers who assist children who have become caught up in the court system.
Also at Monday night’s meeting:
–The Commission appointed Matthew McClure as Assistant Coroner, which brings the total to four assistant coroners in Henry County.
–The Commission authorized County Medical Examiner Dr. Bill Portis to appoint the following as medical investigators: Danny Tucker, Diann McGuire, Debbie Travor, and Bruce Herrin.
Photo: Judge Snyder, standing, presents an overview of the CASA program. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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