New Madrid County budget sets aside funds for industrial, infrastructure work

NEW MADRID, Mo. - The 2022 budget is not as bleak as it may appear at first glance, emphasized New Madrid County Presiding Commissioner Mark Baker,

The budget, approved at the end of January, estimates the General Revenue Fund’s revenues at $6,550,900 and expenditures at $6,790,891.56. That would project a deficit of $239,991.56.

“When people look at that budget and see that negative ending balance, I would tell them don’t be alarmed because that is typical. Since I have been here I don’t think we have ever put a balanced budget on the table and I don’t think we have ever run a deficit,” said Baker. “That is 16 budgets and I can’t remember one that has ever ended up in the hole.”

According to Baker, when putting together the budget numbers, typically the County Commissioners underestimate revenues and overestimate expenses. He added, the county officeholders do the same when submitting their budgets.

“Our office holders are conservative. They don’t ask for something unless they need it and we usually give them what ever they ask for. Most of the time they don’t use all their budgets,” said Baker.

It is the numbers at the end of the year which provide the most accurate picture of the county’s finances, Baker explained. He pointed out two years ago when the budget forecast a $200,000 to $300,000 deficit the county recorded its best sales tax revenue ever ending the year with a budget surplus.

It was true again last year, added First District Commissioner Bobby Aycock. Due to higher than anticipated sales tax revenue, expenditures being under budget and the COVID-19 CARES Act reimbursement, the General Revenue Fund had a surplus for $827,740.76.

“That is good news,” Aycock said.

Baker, Aycock and Second District Commissioner Michael Kellams described much of the big expenditures in the 2022 budget as an investment in the future of New Madrid County.

The County Commission has set aside $100,000 for the overpass project in New Madrid County just south of Sikeston. The overpass will provide access to Sikeston’s south industrial park where work is already underway for a manufacturing plant for Carlisle Construction Management.

“We are going to be heavily involved in the infrastructure building on the south end of Sikeston. Right now the (New Madrid County) Highway Department is doing some work that is basically in-kind. We are going to build a road. We are buying some drainage equipment - the pipes, concrete inlets and structures,” Baker said.

According to Baker, the Commission intends to use $844,000, or approximately half of the $1.6 million the County is to receive in federal COVID-19 Cares Act monies for 2022, to pay for the drainage structures.

In 2021, the Commissioners dedicated the federal funds to sewer and water needs of most of the small towns throughout New Madrid County and two water districts, Aycock said. A few projects are completed and paid for, others still under construction and some still in the design phase.

Part of the 2022 federal funds will be used to assist Portageville and New Madrid, which were not among the communities to benefit from the CARES Act funds last year, Baker said.

The 2022 budget does include salary increases for county employees.

Baker said county employees received a 6 percent increase in salaries, to offset the increase in the cost of living. County office holders’ checks will increase by 4 percent this year.

The cost of insurance saw a small uptick, he added, but coverage for employees will remain at the same level.

In 2022, the County Commission will continue to house its prisoners at the Mississippi County Jail.

According to the Commissioners, land was purchased along Highway 61 in New Madrid with the possibility of constructing a new building for the Sheriff’s Department there. Also a lot adjacent to the current Sheriff’s Department building was purchased and cleared during 2021.

However, Baker said, there are no plans for construction of a new jail at this time.

The other major area included in the county’s 2022 budget message is the County Road and Bridge Fund.

County Clerk Amy Brown noted in 2021, the Transportation Sales Tax generated $1.8 million in revenue. As required when the sales tax was imposed, the County Commission reduced the property tax rate by 50 percent.

In 2022, total revenues for the County Road and Bridge Fund is set at $3,483,000. This includes $830,000 in state reimbursement from the County Aid Road Trust and $200,000 in federal reimbursement for bridge replacement.

Expenditures are estimated at $3,842,500 and include the construction of two bridges, one in Morehouse and another in Matthews.

Commissioners also noted the increase in the costs of construction materials has impacted expenditures for 2022.

The Commissioners agreed the outlook for New Madrid County is good. They pointed out in addition to the industrial development at the north end of New Madrid County, industrial development is expected elsewhere in the County.

“New Madrid County is kind of booming,” Aycock said.

“Our biggest concern right now is that we have the industry coming but where are we going to find the workers to staff the jobs,” Baker added. “Anyone who wants a job needs to come to New Madrid County.”