County rolls back
millage rate for 2010-11

By John M. Ayers

The Gilchrist County Commission took action in the final budget public hearing Monday afternoon to adopt a balanced budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 beginning October 1, 2010.
The Commission adopted Resolution 2010-49, which approved a millage rate of 8.2695 mills, which is less than the roll-back rate of 8.72717 mills by 5.5%.
The gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within Gilchrist County has been certified by the Gilchrist Property Appraiser to the Commission as $632,415,496.
The Commission adopted resolution 2010-50, which set forth the appropriation and revenue estimate for the fiscal 2010-2011 budget in the estimate of $23,675,565.
The Commission approved Resolution 2010-51, which adopted the Municipal Service Taxing Unit, (MSTU) for emergency medical services for fiscal year 2010-2011. The board’s action identified a gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within Gilchrist County that has been certified by the Property Appraiser to Gilchrist County-MSTU as $643,826,313. The operating millage rate for the 2010-2011 fiscal year is 1.0996 mills, which is less than the roll-back rate of 1.1589 mills by 5.4%.
The Commission approved Resolution 2010-52, which identified the MSTU of Gilchrist County adopting the final budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The board’s action set forth the appropriation and revenue estimate for the 2010-2011 budget in the amount of $2,166,230.
Commissioner Kenrick Thomas commended the Gilchrist County budgeting staff on making this tough budget year an easier process than what was expected. “The process actually began three years ago with the county department heads and employees tightening of their belts to make this process easier,” explained Joe Gilliam, Gilchrist County Clerk.
Ron McQueen, Gilchrist County Administrator, reported that Finance Director Jackie Johnson has done a great job in working out the details involving the county’s budget and finances. “The Gilchrist County employee Department heads made a great contribution to this county budget in order for it to be such a success,” Jackie Johnson explained.