Commissioners approve contract for financial plan

MARSHALL COUNTY — Todd Samuelson with Baker Tilly came before the County Commissioners on Monday. During the prior commissioner meeting, they discussed Baker Tilly performing a financial analysis for the county. It would be for the next five years. Prior to Monday’s meeting, the commissioners and the county attorney were sent the contract for their review.

“I think we listed 16 different funds,” Samuelson said. “Those would be similar to what was done, some of these funds did not exist, last time we went through this. ARP for example. But those were the ones, as we looked at the fund listing that seemed to make the most sense to us.”

according to Samuelson, the County auditor Julie Fox “felt comfortable” with the 16 or so funds that Baker Tilly listed.

“The contract is, again, to look at a financial plan over the next five years for the county,” said Samuelson adding that it would be billed hourly and not exceed

$35,000.

Commissioner Kevin Overmyer asked Samuelson how long the analysis would take. Samuelson said that typically it would take 60 days. This would come in handy when the county enters budget season.

County Attorney Jim Clevenger asked if this analysis would provide insight on the Special Local Income Tax (LIT). “One of the things, I think, county officials are looking at is a tweak of the local income tax.”

“We’re still paying stuff out of our General Fund for the jail that could be moved from our General Fund out there to pay from that Special LIT. I think that was one of the things that we wanted to do was just to see what is the rate that we need.”

Samuelson replied that it would provide information. “We know that’s a priority that will be included in options for the county to consider.”

Commissioner Stan Klotz asked if there would be a joint meeting with the County Council and the Commissioners when the analysis is completed.

“This is not a Baker Tilly plan. This is a Marshall County plan… We would highly encourage a consensus of both the commissioners and the council and the auditor’s office,” said Samuelson.

He also said that it would provide a study on assessments and what it would look like if the county tax base continues to grow or grows at a certain pace and what would it mean to the cash flows.

The commissioners approved a motion to move forward with the contract to have the five-year Comprehensive Financial Plan be done by Baker Tilly.