Johnson County Commission faces tough decisions as valuations and sales tax decline

Johnson County Commissioners are making difficult decisions as they continue to work the FY 2021 budget. 

Although sales tax has shown a slight increase, the commissioners are working to balance a budget faced with a 20% sales tax revenue loss due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to commission chairman Bill Novotny.

Adding another troublesome variable to the equation, Johnson County’s valuation is expected to be certified with an estimated $41 million loss due to the declining mineral industry. 

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Novotny told listeners Johnson County has made significant reductions but still has approximately $1 million to cut.

Novotny is optimistic the latest sales tax numbers will show an increase when they are returned to the commissioners in the first part of July.