County valuation increased in 2011

It may not be up by much, but nonetheless the county's assessed valuation increased in 2011.

Bourbon County Clerk Joanne Long told Bourbon County Commissioners during their June 24 meeting that the county's valuation had increased by $685,206 taxable dollars, meaning it will not take as many tax dollars per person to get the same amount of tax money as last year.

"It's a good sign going into budget (planning) when we know it's going to be tough," she said.

Valuation is increased by construction of new businesses and residences on lots that were previously vacant or additions to buildings to add more value. Long and Bourbon County Appraiser Judy Wallis agreed that the increase in valuation is largely due to construction of the new South Main Shopping Center.

Wallis added there was a little bit of new residential construction in the county, but not as much as in previous years.

"The new strip mall would have helped as much as anything," Wallis said.

With last year's valuation coming in over $91 million, according to Long, this year's increase does not appear to be too drastic. However, the improvement could be a sign of good things to come.

"In the whole scheme of things, it didn't go up very much," Wallis said.

"Hopefully, it is one of many very good signs," Long added. "It might be the only shining star we have, but at least we're not going in with lower value like we did last year."

Long said the county commission has not begun the planning process for the 2012 budget, however, budget worksheets have been submitted to all departments. Long added some agencies that receive appropriations from the county, such as Tri-Valley Developmental Services and the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, have already begun to submit budget requests.

The commission will likely begin budget planning during the first or second week of July, Long said.