The State budget conference committee finalized its work resolving differences in the budgets passed by both chambers within a day – and now, counties can rest assured that they will not be enduring a cost shift to fund most of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) or flat funding of local health departments.
The budget, as introduced, included the following cuts and shifts affecting counties, but both the Senate and House rejected them. The Conference Committee verified those rejections.
- Cost shift of 90 percent of SDAT’s assessment, information technology, and directorial functions to counties ($19.7 million in fiscal 2019)
- Level fund local health departments ($0.9 million in fiscal 2019)
In addition, the General Assembly struck uncodified language on the last page of the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA) which stated that, beginning in fiscal year 2020, funding increases for most programs are capped at 1 percent less than the reported amount of general fund revenue growth.
Helpful Links
Governor’s Proposed Budget: First Blush County Effects
It’s Back! Governor Revives SDAT Cost Shift To Counties
Fiscal Briefing: Budget Outlook & Local Aid Loss
Senate Passes County-friendly Budget
House, Following Senate, Approves County-friendly Budget