Shelby County Commission reveals 2019 budget proposal

The Shelby County Commission discussed at the Aug. 27 meeting the first presentation of its budget for the 2019 fiscal year, which must be approved and finalized by the next meeting on Sept. 10.

The proposed budget totals $113.1 million, based on projected revenue of $113.4 million. By comparison, the county spent $115.9 million in the 2018 fiscal year.

The budget includes $64.3 million in the general fund, which goes toward the operational costs of the county. $15.5 million was also allocated for the Highway Department, and nearly $21 million was designated for enterprise funds.

The budget includes $11.4 million in reserves for various funds balances.

The proposed budget summary presented on Aug. 27 did not include capital improvement funds.

Revenue for the 2019 fiscal year includes $14.6 million in property tax and almost two million in motor vehicle taxes. The county expects to bring in $15.7 million in county sales and use taxes and $850,000 in building permit fees.

Road work and projects were a key part of the budget, with county focusing on paving and resurfacing as well as maintenance on Highway 280 and other county roads. $250,000 has been budgeted out to start work on creating turning lanes where Highway 280 meets County Road 11. Work on Valleydale Road from Caldwell Mill Road and going towards I-65 has a combined over three million dollar budget for road work projects relating to it.

The ongoing Cahaba Beach Road Bridge replacement and road improvements have an $875,000 budget and are scheduled to be complete in October 2020.

In budgeting news that will directly affect residents, some personnel will be eligible for merit raises with a six percent health insurance premium increase. The county courthouse will continue to be renovated and improvements will continue to be made to Veterans Park on Valleydale, Chelsea Park and Heardmont Park.

The commission will discuss the budget again at the Sept. 10 meeting at 8:30 a.m.

The commission will also hold a public hearing on Sept. 10 to consider water rates effective for April 2019 billing and after.