Drop in Medicaid match impacts Lyon County budget

Lyon County’s total revenues in its general fund in 2024-25 are expected to increase by 2.9% compared to current estimates, according to Comptroller Josh Foli in his tentative budget presentation April 9.

Foli told the Lyon County Commission a significant move impacting the budget this year included a transfer of 3 cents of property tax rate that had been moved from Lyon’s Medical Indigent fund to its general fund. This was a one-time action meant to be a permanent move to a figurative “piggy bank,” Foli said.

“We’re able to recommend that this year, and the reason is because since the Affordable Care Act, we’re seeing a significant decrease in the Medicaid match portion of the Medical Indigent fund,” Foli said. “We believe we have the ability, for the circumstances permitting, we’re able to take 3 cents away from that fund in the property tax rate to cover that Medicaid match because people have private insurance and they’re not doing Medicaid as much as it would come to pass.”

Consolidated taxes, at $22.5 million, are projected to increase by .6%, representing 43.9% of the general fund revenue, while property taxes are expected to go up by 16.7% and make up 33.1% of the general fund. Expenditures, excluding capital outlay, in the general fund are budgeted to increase 9.2%. Salaries and wages are projected to increase by 8.5%, and benefits are budgeted to go up 16.6%.

There are position changes this year, with a net increase of four full-time employees built into staffing needs. Changes were adjusted to bring in a custodian, information technology technician, fleet services technician and a juvenile probation officer while a vacant justice court clerk was removed at the Fernley Justice Court.

Benefit estimates were adjusted and are reflected in the budget, with health insurance rates increasing by 5% and workers’ compensation insurance costs going up by 10%.

Foli discussed various capital requests covered in the budget, with different funds covering the costs for ongoing needs. The general fund includes replacement vehicles for the building department, lighting or heating needs, Fernley Justice Court and Juvenile Probation and a water pressure tank at the Smith Valley Cemetery.

Commissioners questioned the inclusion of the Yerington administrative building doors, which are now aging and will cost $27,000. Foli said their replacement addresses a safety issue.

The Capital Improvements fund budgets the Dayton Government Complex, a multiple-year project, for $25.7 million and improvements at $2.3 million.

Foli said the utilities fund covers projects such as the first phase of the Smokey Hills water main replacement for $2.3 million, the Rolling A Sewer Plant expansion for $4.9 million and a sewer gravity line replacement for $3.6 million.

The final budget hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 20.

For information, visit https://www.lyon-county.org/Agendacenter.