COUNTY FINANCES SPEAK WILL FOR A VIABLE 1993

Cape Girardeau County begins this new year on an upbeat budgetary note. The county has come through a tight economic year with improved finances. Overall revenue for the county increased 8.5 percent over 1991, which is one of the best growth years ever. It's a credit to our Cape Girardeau County officeholders, who continue to exercise good financial common sense.

At the heart of the county's good fortune is a rebounding sales tax. Growth topped 5 percent in 1992 - the first time that sales tax growth surpassed the 4 percent mark since 1988. It's also a far cry from the meager .23 percent growth in 1991. That level was the lowest in the 11-year history of the county's half-cent general revenue tax.

Taxpayers should take heart in the fact county officials won't take this revenue growth and splurge. It's the secret of our solid county treasury - cautious spending and wise saving has yielded a strong financial base in Cape Girardeau County. Most department budgets this year will increase only modestly, with no major capital improvements planned.

The 1993 proposed general revenue budget is $5.75 million - up just 3 percent from 1992. The budget also includes an unencumbered balance of $423,000, as a cushion for any emergencies or state or federal funding shortfalls.

Other reasons for the strong revenue growth in 1992 include increased fees collected by county offices and payment of some back juvenile court fees and other revenue owed by Bollinger County.

The county's capital trust account balance will top the $3 million mark - up from $2.6 million last year. This is the account used for capital improvements and emergencies. The county's strong financial standing will also allow a 5.5 percent pay increase for employees this year.

But all the news is not so rosy. The county continues to experience shortfalls in its road and bridge fund. If the county maintains the roads and bridges at a minimum level of upkeep, spending will fall short of income. The 1993 proposed budget includes a $357,591 loan from the general revenue fund to the road and bridge budget.

This year, the commission will consider increasing road and bridge revenues or decreasing services. In recent years, the county has built many new bridges, maintained over 600 miles of country counts, and has begun a road sealing and asphalt program. The road and bridge budget for 1993 will be $1.76 million, up just slightly over last year.

Currently, the county road and bridge allocation is 23 cents; the tax could be raised to 35 cents without a vote of the people. That tax rate is typically set in August. It's a challenge that longtime commissioners Gene Huckstep and E.C. Younghouse along with newcomer Larry Bock will address this year.

But all in all, the county should feel good about its financial outlook. Officials in surrounding counties look with envy on Cape County's solid financial foundation. As 1993 begins, we can point with pride to a well-funded, well-managed county government that argues well for the future.