The Montgomery County Budget Commission approved the allocation of over $22 million in local government funds for local jurisdictions for 2012 and over $17 million in public library funds in the county. 

 This is a drastic decrease in funding compared to 2011’s $31 million allocation in local government funds (LGF).  The state budget slashed local government funding by 25%, with an additional 25% cut to come in 2013.  The public library fund was also cut 5%, down from $18.9 million to 17.8 million.  “It is very disappointing that the Governor and State Legislature chose to balance the budget on the backs of local governments,” said Auditor Karl Keith.  “It’s easy to balance a budget with other peoples’ money.”

 The allocations, approved on August 31st, are from an estimation of funds to be distributed to the county from the state’s Local Government and Public Library Funds.  The Budget Commission, consisting of Auditor Keith, County Prosecutor Mat Heck and County Treasurer Carolyn Rice, determines the annual allocations to local jurisdictions based upon a formula approved by the jurisdictions and the Commission.

 Montgomery County is the largest estimated recipient at over $9.3 million, down from $13.1 million.  The city of Dayton will receive $7.7 million, down from $10.8 million.  Dayton Metro Library is to receive an estimated $14 million from the Public Library Fund, about $1 million less than they received in 2011.    

 Of the $22 million allocated from the Local Government Fund, $11.4 million goes toward municipal jurisdictions in Montgomery County, down from $16 million.  Townships comprised about $930K of the total, down from $1.3 million.  Each jurisdiction in the county will have to endure an equal proportionate cut in local government funding.