Ohio Gov. John Kasich released the executive budget proposal Tuesday, outlining a two-year plan to close Ohio’s nearly $8 billion financial shortfall, amid strong resentment from the public sector.
Local government fund allocations are expected to decrease nearly 75 percent in fiscal year 2012, beginning July 1, to $167 million, down from $665 million in 2011, according to the proposed budget.
Fund allocations will increase in 2013 to nearly $390 million, which is still a 50 percent decrease from their 2011 levels.
Although local governments are expected to receive less state funding, the budget cuts are actually below what Athens County expected to lose next year, said Jill Thompson, county auditor.
In the initial report, county officials estimated that Athens would receive about $660,000 in state funding, Thompson said.
After reviewing Kasich’s budget proposal, county officials now expect Athens to receive more than $940,000, she said, adding that this estimation could change depending on future cuts.
“We have worked aggressively this year to fit into the budget,” Thompson said. “But now the concern is what concessions we will have to make next year.”
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