$250k could be pulled for budget shortfall

Commissioners could approve the transfer of about $250,000 from Douglas County's General Fund reserves to the Room Tax fund, to offset shortfalls in room and sales tax revenues.

"The actual transfer may be less, depending on final revenue projections that will be looked at in mid- to late June," County Manager Dan Holler said in a report.

Douglas County's parks department, library and senior services are all funded by room taxes, as is tourism promotion at Lake Tahoe.

A report from the Department of Taxation indicates taxable sales slipped 1.9 percent in February, from $55 million in 2005 to $54 million in 2006.

The yearly figures through February show a 4.2 percent increase in taxable sales, from $527 million in 2005 to $549 million in 2006.

Funding from that tax makes up a majority of the $23 million in state consolidated taxes Douglas County will receive this fiscal year, which ends June 30, according to a report by county officials.

Room tax revenues, which were expected to rise slightly, have been flat and an increase of just 0.3 percent is projected for the upcoming year, according to a report by County officials.

Budgeted at 3 percent of operating expenses in Douglas County's General and Special Revenue funds, contingencies are held for unknown or unanticipated expenditures, according to county officials.

In other business:

n Commissioners could approve almost $14,000 to continue PRIDE bus service in Douglas County, an interlocal agreement between the Douglas County commissioners and the Washoe County and Carson City regional transportation commissions.

n When faced with the possibility of losing Douglas County's business with respect to publishing agendas, The Record-Courier offered the county a $5,181 rebate, along with the suggestion that the money be donated to the Family Support Council.

n Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Douglas County Commissioners meeting

When: 1:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Douglas County Administration Building, 175 Highway 50, Stateline