Harney County Judge Pete Runnels notified the Burns Times-Herald that the county identified a software budgeting issue, which caused the county to start with an inaccurate budgeted beginning fund balance within the General Fund for the past few years.

Frugal budgeting from underestimating yearly county revenues and expending less than budgeted has drawn this shortfall out over time, but it has now caught up with the county. Runnels and County Treasurer Bobbi Jo Heany have worked tirelessly to identify the General Fund shortcoming that has concerned them for well over a year.

“It took us several years to get to this point, and we won’t come out of it overnight,” Runnels said.

Steps were taken last October to begin reducing expenses in several areas. Larger cuts and adjustments will be made in next year’s budget. However, Runnels wants the community to know that the public should not see any reduction in services at this time. Budgeting for the 2019/2020 fiscal year begins April 10 in the judge’s chambers. The public is always welcome to attend budget meetings.