After Jasper County Treasurer Doug Bishop delivered his reports to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors during Tuesday's meeting, he wanted to make sure he made something perfectly clear.
“I try to operate my office in a very fiscally conservative manner,” Bishop said.
During the meeting, Bishop delivered his office's semi-annual financial report and provided a brief update on the happenings within the Department of Motor Vehicles Jasper County Office, which is under his jurisdiction.
“We've restructured our business model down there as far as supervisory (goes) and we didn't fill-in the third deputy position … that saved about $22,000 a year there,” Bishop said. “We've increased the revenues coming through the motor vehicle side and that went up about $22,000 between mailings and registrations and also we had a great year in drivers licenses last year.”
Bishop said his office issued 12,629 driver's licenses last year, which amounted to the third highest amount in the state and generated $88,375 in revenue. Bishop publicly commended his office staff and said that in the eight years he has been treasurer, this is the “most cohesive unit” he has led.
“Speaking for myself, I'm really proud of you and your office. You take advantage of a lot of innovative things that are out there and keep up the good work,” board chair Joe Brock said.
In his report on the county finances, the county had $16,607,200.80 in the beginning fund balance on July 1 and a $17,210,666.54 fund balance on Dec. 31. Also during this time frame, the county took in $39,482,096.51 in revenue and had adjusted expenditures in the amount of $38,875,580.20.
The 2013-14 fiscal year began on July 1.
In other business:
• Jasper County Human Resources Director Dennis Simon received approval for one hiring resolution and had another resolution tabled for the county’s home healthcare program. Both positions are for PRN Aides.
• The board approved the resolution submitted by Prairie City for its annexation plans. Prairie City will be adding two separate parcels to the city limits, one for possible commercial development and the other is an expansion to the city cemetary.
• The board approved a public hearing date for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, for discussion on the 2014-15 fiscal year budget.
Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at, trushing@newtondailynews.com