Before the former DeWitt County Board left office, they approved the 2012 budget.

When there is an increase in a budget above 105%, a Truth and Taxation Hearing must be held. The DeWitt County Board held there's and discussed the budget at that time. Former Finance Chair, Ed Young says this year, the budget saw an increase of almost 125%.

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The first increase is due to the ambulance tax levy. Young explains there is no money in the budget currently to pay the first half of next year's ambulance bills, so they borrowed money from themselves and will use the levy to repay the money.

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The second factor for the increase is due to an increase in the general fund levy for a new animal control facility. Young says he wanted to leave enough money for the new board to pursue the new building if that was their desire.

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The DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Health Department levy increased just slightly. Young explains they have been very successful in the past to obtain grants to help supplement the things they are required by law. However, because of the fiscal mess the state is in, the grants just are no longer available. Young adds, to make up the difference, the levy is going to increase just slightly.

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As was discussed last week, the full Board later discussed the increase in levies for the animal shelter and the amount of taxes levied for the ambulance service. All three levy increases were approved, and the FY13 budget, with a revenue increase of almost 125% went into effect December 1.