TORRINGTON – Commissioners met the new undersheriff for the county during their regular meeting Tuesday.
Interim Sheriff Jeremey Wardell appointed long-time deputy Alexander Irons to the position. Irons has been with the Goshen County Sheriff’s Office since 1997 and has more than 2,600 hours of training. Irons has extensive experience in K9, is certified firearms instructor, and has served as Training Sergeant and as a Patrol Field Training Officer.
“Alex is very qualified to serve Goshen County as Undersheriff,” Sheriff Wardell said. “He brings over 20 years of training, work experience and expertise to the position.”
The Commissioners then went into executive session to discuss a report prepared by an independent consultant regarding business within Goshen County.
When regular session restarted the Commissioners heard from Treasurer Maxine Mitchell who explained the county was after all deficits were payed to still be in the black with $451,720.57 in the counties account.
Showing their deficits and profits in a profit and loss comparison with the total income for July 2017 to June 2018, $8,686,703.63. July 2016 to June 2017 $9,332,534.68 a -6.9% change and $-645,831.05 change. Total expenses for July 2017 to June 2018, $8, 046,096.68 for July 2016 to June 2017, $8,125,128.63 a change of -1.0% and $-79,031.95; other expenses $534,034.95 giving the county a net income for July 2017 to June 2018, $106,571.99. For July 2016 to June 2017, $692,402.05 a change of -84.6% and change of $-585,830.06.
Showing a decline of income in funds from the state and their decline in profits from minerals and oil production.
Approving the Treasurers report the commissioners brought forth Resolution 2018-04 recognizing the Adam Walter Memorial Botanical Park purchase donors. Honoring all the donors Kurt and Kim Evezich, Lira’s Restaurant, Geraldean Lira, Kelly Ann Matlock, Gary and Marilyn Olson, TDS Environmental Services and Symplot Driller Solutions.
After presenting the resolution to the donors County Clerk Cynthia Kenyon began the County clerk report asking the commissioners if they want to move two meeting because of con flick with the upcoming voting dates which was discussed and approved, the use of the employee sick bank and a Library Board vacancy.
The clerk then turned to the recent 2018 -2019 budget meeting where the budget was passed.
2018 Goshen County Budget Report
Prepared by Goshen County Clerk Cynthia Kenyon
Revenue Forecast
Goshen County taxable sales decreased .5% in the last fiscal year according to State figures. Inflation rates are fluctuating between 1.1% and 3.1%. The County Valuation was down over 2.2% last year and this Fiscal Year it is down nearly another 1%. The economic boost of out of state prisoners has ended although there may be still be some income from that source. State prisoner populations are slowly increasing. The Care Center Board ended the increased share of the rent contribution received from the Evergreen Court lease for Fiscal Year 2018. The County General Fund is paid $12,734 per year for the lease on Evergreen Court. Overall revenue declined by $309,470 (-3.4%). Expenses increased by $249,013 (2.7%).
Reserves:
One of the most important elements of a sound budget is to evaluate the impact of projected revenue and appropriations on fund balance reserves. It is very challenging to increase reserves during an economic downturn. However, Goshen County has become economically stronger the past five years. We will utilize $297,661 of cash funds this fiscal year. It is imperative that in Fiscal Year 2020 we return to a budget that adds to the General Fund Balance. Our unassigned spendable cash balance as of June 30, 2018 is $866,652. This amount is over one-third of the amount recommended by the Government Accounting Standards (GASB). County Road Fund reserves meet the GASB recommended amount. There are $664,114 of County Road Fund Reserves budgeted. Goshen County recently completed a large gravel crush project which at this time still has an inventory value of $809,000.
Employee Compensation:
Employee compensation is over $5,000,000 for the first time. It is nearly 50% of general fund expenses. Employee health insurance continues to greatly increase yearly. This fiscal year held nearly a $90,000 increase which was absorbed by the County. One patrol position that was cut in the Sheriff’s office is approved for this fiscal year. Employees have not received a wage increase since a raise in July of 2013. A bonus was given several years. This year all employees with more than 1 year of service will receive a 3% raise. Employee retirement is still entirely paid by the County with no employee contribution. Regular employees receive 16.62% retirement and on September 2018 the new rate will be 17.12%. Law enforcement receives 17.2% retirement. Retirement costs are $581,034 which is over a $40,000 increase.
Other County Funds:
Four other funds are itemized in the County Budget. The overview is located on the bottom of page 1 and the budgets are on pages 35-51. These include the Health Fund (Evergreen Court, Care Center and proposed assisted living complex), the Library, Fair Event and Fair Grounds, and Weed and Pest. The Fair Board is at a crucial financial point and has used almost all their reserves. The Board is strategically planning for the future. The Library is budgeting to use $36,969 of reserves to continue to provide services at the current level. The Goshen County Care Center Joint Powers Board is planning to expand senior care which requires reinvestment of all income from the Alzheimer’s Unit/Care Center lease and a $6,000,000 loan/grant from the Wyoming Business Council. This proposed project includes a 30-bed assisted living complex.
General Fund Lease/Loan programs:
Goshen County has paid off most lease/loan programs over the last 6 years. The final vehicle loans will be paid off this fiscal year. The remaining lease/loans are for the energy retrofit and the road graders. The road grader buying program has been rewritten to reduce costs and increase quality of the
equipment.
Grants:
Grant revenue steeply declined with the loss of the Wyoming Consensus Block Grant program. Department heads are encouraged to research grants for equipment or projects. Grant income is down about $103,000 however, about $150,000 is in the application phase. Additionally, there will be another phase of court security funds. The Sheriff is reviewing grant options for emergency vehicles. The County added a grant component to aide with recovering opioid addicted families.
Acknowledgements:
The preparation of any organization’s budget is usually an enormous task, and this budget is no exception. It takes the expertise of every department head and whole-hearted teamwork to assemble this budget. The department heads are commended for their ability to prioritize our most urgent needs. Above all, the contributions of Goshen County residents are to be admired. They continue to dedicate the 1% additional tax funds to ensure adequate services and a solid future for our County.
Conclusion:
A Management Report is available after the end of each fiscal year which explains where each and every dollar is spent. Year to year comparisons are also in the report. The Goshen County Government is fiscally sound, solvent and continues to practice prudent financial management. The fiscal year 2019 budget reflects conservative financial
discipline.
