Audit shows increase in county revenue and expenses

By Brooks Taylor, Mt. Pleasant News

Other than reviewing the fiscal 2016 audit report from State Auditor Mary Mosiman, there wasn?t much business for the Henry County supervisors Thursday morning.

According to Mosiman?s report, the county had local tax revenue of $27,973,023 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, which included $2,850,088 in tax credits from the state. The county forwarded $20,272,831 of the local tax revenue to townships, school districts, cities and other county taxing bodies.

Henry County retained just over $7.7 million of the local revenue to finance county operations, a 3.7 percent increase over the prior year.

Other revenues included charges for service of $953,162; operating grants, contributions and restricted interest of $3,541,181; capital grants, contributions and restricted interest of $1,966,295; local option sales tax of $920,179; unrestricted investment earnings of $45,882; gain on disposition of capital assets of $85,375; and $54,839 in other general revenues.

County expenses in fiscal 2016 increased by 3.6 percent and totaled $12,751,262. Major expenses included $5.24M for roads and transportation; $3.07M for public safety and legal services; and $1.36M for administration.

A copy of the audit report is available for review in the county auditor?s office, the state auditor?s office, or on the state auditor?s website at https://auditor.iowa.gov/reports/1610-0044-B00F.

Also during the meeting, the board signed a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The board also approved a liquor license for the Jet Stop Salem Stub, and a fireworks permit for a display Aug. 19 on Iowa Avenue. The permit was requested by Mogo Farms, Inc.

Supervisors meet again in regular session Tuesday, April 4, at 9 a.m., in the courthouse.