Editorial Board speaks with Putnam executive and officials on county government April 14, 2010

FACT #1

• Putnam County went from being first in sales tax revenue growth in 2008 to the second highest in sales tax revenue decline in 2009

FACT #2

• Property tax revenue fell short by $3.5 million, as property owners encountered difficulty paying their property taxes

FACT #3

• Outstanding property tax liens rose by 26%

FACT #4

• County Clerk Fees and DMV surcharge revenues fell short of budgeted expectations as activity from home and auto sales plunged

FACT #5

• In 2009, County operating revenues totaled $132.1 million, nearly $4.3 million short of our adopted budget of $136.4 million