by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

A $96.7 million county general fund budget was adopted Monday morning by the Hamilton County Council. The budget is for the 2021 calendar year, and will require a slightly smaller property tax rate than was levied this year.

County employees will receive raises according to a scale that takes into account job responsibility, longevity and performance. County Auditor Robin Mills said there is no overall percentage of increase.

The budget can be funded with a lower tax rate largely because of the ever-growing tax base, up more than $1.3 billion this year. The budget includes funding for county law enforcement, the courts, health department and numerous other services and administrative offices.

Thirteen non-profit organizations that provide various social services will receive nearly $4 million in assistance from the county next year as part of the budget, including some that are mandated by statute or annual contractual agreement.

The organizations are as follows: Aspire (mental health) $2.3 million, Janus (sheltered workshop) $775,000, Humane Society $140,419, and Cherish Center $67,000.

Also, Good Samaritan $50,000, Heart and Soul Free Clinic $15,000, Hope Family Care Center $15,000, Indiana Center for Youth Abuse $30,000, and Meals on Wheels $10,000.

And, Prime Life Enrichment $225,000, Prevail $180,000, Shepherd Center $40,000, and Trinity Free Clinic $15,000.

With the exception of the state-mandated funds, these amounts are granted to organizations that perform community services that might otherwise fall to local government to fund entirely.