County Commissioners prepare for their annual budget hearing

HARTINGTON – The Cedar County Commissioners got a first look at the county budget being prepared by County Clerk Jessica Schmit.

With her recommendations, the commissioners considered a few line items to trim about $80,000 so the overall county budget stays under a growth threshold set by state law.

Under the Property Tax Request Act, political subdivisions such as counties, cities, school districts and community colleges must inform taxpayers by mail if the subdivisions seek to raise their annual property tax asking by more than 2 percent plus real growth.

Those political subdivisions going over 2 percent must participate and take public comments during joint public hearings in each county.

It won’t be known until later this week if any Cedar County taxing entity will be required to attend but a meeting date of 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, has already been set.

The joint public meeting — known as the Pink Postcard meeting — is being scheduled to take place at the Hartington city auditorium.

The commissioners agreed to trim back the amount budgeted for Cedar County Transit vehicle replacement as well as road department health insurance as there are no plans to hire additional workers.

Schmit also recommended growing the county’s cash reserves by $150,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.

She said the county’s current cash reserves are “healthy” but it’s important to have enough available for flexibility while awaiting taxpayer revenue to come in.

“All this money is not sitting in the bank. It has to come across the treasurer’s desk,” she said.

Changes to the county’s budget can be made prior to the county’s budget hearing set for the next regular commissioners meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10.

The commissioners also agreed to a $14,000 annual funding request from the Cedar County Museum.

The county funded the museum at $16,000 for the 2023-24 fiscal year and $17,000 for 2022-23.

Other than the county’s funding, the museum operates through grant funds, fund-raisers and volunteers.

The next Cedar County Commission meeting is set for Sept. 10 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission meeting room at the Cedar County Courthouse.