By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County government is starting the new year with a healthy 8% increase in sales tax revenues, a 5.26% increase in allocations, and a 4% raise for county employees.
Commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Ted Bowlus and Craig LaHote voted Tuesday morning to approve 2023 appropriations for county government totaling just over $50 million.
“We are thankful the pandemic is largely behind us and that 2022 has been a fairly normal year for county government,” the commissioners stated in a letter that went out to all county elected officials and department heads.
“Wood County remains in a strong financial position,” the letter said. That position is due to factors such as:
- Continued sales tax growth, up this year to $28.5 million.
- Investment income, which is starting to rebound, and is trending at $1.25 million.
- Casino tax revenue, bringing in $1.9 million, which is $122,148 more than in 2021. This is the highest year so far for casino tax revenue to the county, said Wood County Administrator Carri Stanley.
But challenges continue for government, including:
- Restrictions in the labor market.
- Wage pressures.
- Supply chain issues.
- Record-high inflation.
“New challenges may be ahead with predictions of a possible economic recession,” the commissioners’ letter stated. “We will continue to closely monitor revenue and expenses throughout 2023.”
“We’re a bit cautious about next year, with all the talk about a recession,” LaHote said.
Like other employers, Wood County government is struggling to retain and attract workers. In an effort to do both, the commissioners approved 4% raises for county employees.
The county pay is comparable to other neighboring counties, but lags behind some city government pay scales in the region, LaHote said.
“We’re feeling a little pressure from municipalities who can afford a little bit more,” he said.
And then there’s the post-COVID trend of positions going unfilled for longer periods. When advertising for open positions, the county now often sees fewer applicants than in the past, and fewer still who meet all the job qualifications, according to Dan Scherger, the assistant county administrator.
The county government currently has 21 jobs unfilled right now.
The 4% wage increase will go to employees in all the commissioners’ departments, as well as those in the offices of the county prosecutor, county recorder, court security and public defender. Equivalent increases will also be made to salary line items for all remaining elected officials’ offices and general fund departments, including the board of elections – to be distributed as they see fit.
The county allocations also include several capital projects and equipment purchases. The biggest project is the Wood County Jail renovation and expansion project – estimated at $28 million. The first full debt service payment for the project – $1.2 million – will be paid in 2023.
The jail expansion is expected to be completed by July of 2024.
The commissioners also budgeted $89,000 for audio system and technology improvements for the common pleas and juvenile courts. Also renovations to Courtroom 2 are set to begin in early 2023, to include modifications to paint, carpet, electrical, jury box, court reporter station and restroom access.
And the county will invest in IT provisions that will improve tech security and that will allow for more remote work by county employees.
The commissioners also approved requests for two new positions – one juvenile court constable to provide security at the court facility, and one electronic monitoring bond officer position to oversee the monitoring program and supervise individuals with court-ordered bond conditions.
