KIRKSVILLE, MO -- The Adair County Commissioners are close to finalizing their budget for the 2011 calendar year. All of the 114 counties in Missouri must submit their budgets to the Secretary of States office in Jefferson City by January 31st for approval. While overall the commissioners feel positive, there are some departments that are struggling.
“Our road and bridge department in Adair County is suffering very badly from a lack of funding” said Commissioner Mark Thompson. “The funding we’ve had in 2010 is the same we use now in 2011. Everything has gone up, the prices have gone up.”
Adair County Presiding Commissioner Stan Pickens said despite some cut backs, revenues were up six percent in 2010; something many counties across the state couldn’t boast. The commissioners said that was in conjunction with our location.
“A lot of other counties don’t have any money” said Pickens. “Adair County is very fortunate due to our physical location” said Thompson. “Counties all around Adair County come to Kirksville to shop so our sales tax has remained constant, maybe a little higher. Property tax has gone down a little bit, so our funding county wide is relatively good.”
The commissioners hope to have all of their budgets approved and submitted by early next week.
If you would like more information regarding the budget of Adair County you can call the commissioners office at (660) 665-3350.