The Nodaway County Commission has begun its budgeting process for the upcoming fiscal year.
County budgets align with the calendar year, meaning commissioners aim to have a draft prepared by Jan. 1 and final approval from the state by Jan. 31.
County Commissioner Scott Walk said revenues are expected to remain steady rather than increase, as they have in previous years.
“Basically, revenues have been closer to steady this year, and in the previous years I've been in office, they've always increased,” Walk said. “I don't foresee a big change in how we operate. I don't foresee us having to look to cut anything. We just have to be more diligent in maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
Walk said rising costs for services and staffing continue to pressure the county budget. One major issue under review is health insurance for county employees. Renewing the current plan would result in about a $500,000 increase.
“If we stay with our exact same plan it would be a substantial increase with what they've offered as a renewal,” Walk said. “But with some of the other options I don't know that this would be the case. We haven't got pricing yet with some of the other options.”
The commission is meeting with multiple insurance agencies as it weighs potential changes in coverage. County departments, officeholders and commissioners will continue budget discussions through the end of the year.
