Greene County Commission approves 2023 budget

The Greene County Commission this morning approved a 2023 budget with $261.7 million in appropriated expenses.

A budget document provided by Greene County shows that salaries and benefits, at $103.6 million, make up roughly 40% of appropriated expenses, the largest item.

Receipts in 2023 are projected at $222.4 million, with taxes making up 78% of the total at $173.1 million.

"When you look at that, you see a shortfall, but we are presenting a balanced budget to commission," said Jeff Scott, Greene County budget officer, while speaking this morning at a livestreamed budget meeting. "State law defines revenue as including prior year surplus or cash balances on hand."

Budget highlights include:
• a 5% cost-of-living adjustment and mid-year merit step for eligible employees;
• 12 new positions, including a deputy for historic courthouse security;
• roughly $140,000 for special projects, such as campus keying, renovations and capital purchases; and
• highway projects, such as the extension of Kansas Expressway.