Macon County Extension Board

Members present: Kevin Meachum, David Williams - Macon County Board

Mark Sturgell, Evan Hall, Shannon Allen, Fern Stinson and Karen Halicki - Macon County Extension Council

Kevin Meachum called the meeting to order at 5:30PM.

Phyllis Herring, Interim Macon County Director, presented copies of the Macon County Extension Unit's FY 2008 year end fiscal report, the current FY 2009 budget and the proposed FY 2010 budget. The FY 2008 fiscal report showed an actual income of $782,660.89 and total expenses of $623,296.84. The difference between the income and expenses is approximately $159,363.25. When this amount is added to the previous year's carryover, our unit's carryover for FY 2009 is approximately $283,477.

The May 9, 2008 Certificate of Tax Extension from Stephen Bean, Macon County, indicated a taxable amount total (EAV) of $1,528,453,827. Additionally, it states that Extension's tax levy rate was .02459 of a maximum levy rate of .05000. The levied amount was shown as $375,846.29 for FY2009.

Herring stated that the Macon County Extension Unit is asking for level funding for their FY2010 budget (FY 2009 budget for Macon County Board). She provided a letter formally requesting a tax levy in the amount of $375,800. Herring also explained she called the County Clerk's office and was told that they were unable at this time to give her an EAV for 2009. Thus determining the actual tax levy rate is also not possible. The County Clerk advised her to ask for an actual funding amount.

Herring went over the 2010 proposed budget and talked about the possible funding reductions from the state. She further indicated that although we don't know what the future holds for state funding, a decision was made between her and Doug Harlan, the County Director, to not ask for more county funding during FY 2010. This decision was made for several reasons including the fact that the unit has a fairly substantial carryover for FY2009. The Macon county unit has also been very frugal this year in keeping expenses under budget and plan to continue being frugal. After some discussion concerning possible scenarios with state funding, Kevin Meachum indicated he was glad that the unit has a good cushion to carry us through if needed. He also stated that the county board is happy to support a successful program. Board members expressed their appreciation to the unit staff for their efforts in keeping expenses within the budget.

David Williams moved that the FY 2010 (Macon Board FY2009) tax levy request for the Macon County Extension Unit of $375,800 be accepted. The motion was seconded by Mark Strugell. Vote on the motion was unanimous. Extension Council members expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Macon County Board.

The meeting was adjourned by 6:00 pm.

Macon County Extension Board August 1, 2007

Members present: Kevin Meachum, David Williams - Macon County Board
Mike Brokaw, Kirk Myers and Fern Stinson - Macon County Extension Council

Kevin Meachum called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

Doug Harlan, Macon County Extension Director, presented copies on the Macon County Extension Unit's FY 2007 Fiscal Report and proposed FY 2009 Budget. The FY 2007 fiscal report showed actual income as $811,202.76 and total expenses of $718,941.80, resulting in a carryover amount of $137,201.83. Harlan explained that the Unit was authorized to carryover one-third of its annual budget. This is designed to give the Unit four months of operating capital in reserve. Harlan stated that the $137,201.83 carryover would actually provide the Unit with about three months of an operation capital reserve.

The May 11, 2007 Certificate of Tax Extension from Stephen Bean, Macon County Clerk, indicated a taxable amount total (or EAV) of $1,451,027,506. Additionally, it stated Extension's tax levy rate was .02589 of a maximum levy rate of .05000. The levied amount was shown as $375,671.41.

Harlan stated that the Macon County Extension Unit was asking for level funding for their FY 2009 budget (FY 2008 budget for Macon County Board). He provided a letter formally requesting a tax levy amount of .02589. Harlan stated that per a conversation with the County Clerks office, the County is expecting a 3% increase in the EAV for their 2008 budget. Therefore, although the Macon County Extension Unit was not asking for an increase in their tax levy factor of .02589, the levied amount would increase to $375,784. Harlan also presented the Extension Unit's FY 2006 and 2007 budgets as supporting documentation.

Harlan explained that the Unit was able to ask for level funding due to two staff member resignations and careful spending practices. Harlan did state that the Unit would have to ask for an increase in the tax levy factor for their FY 2010 budget. Kevin Meachum said that he understood that costs were increasing and appreciated the Unit's efforts to keep tax levies down.

Williams moved that the tax levy request for the Macon County Extension Unit of .02589 be accepted. The motion was seconded by Myers. Vote on the motion was unanimous Extension Council members expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Macon County Board.

Meeting was adjourned at 6 pm.