Shawnee County Explores Innovative Revenue Streams to Offset Property Tax Burden

In a proactive move to address the county's financial landscape, Shawnee County's Audit Finance Department has shared its budget progress during the first half of 2024, highlighting the need to explore alternative revenue sources beyond property taxes. The Shawnee County Commission Work Session on August 5th provided a platform for commissioners to delve into the matter, seeking solutions to alleviate the burden on taxpayers.

Unlocking New Funding Opportunities for Shawnee County

Diversifying Revenue Streams

Shawnee County's financial administrator, Jennifer Sauer, acknowledged the limited options available to the county in terms of revenue generation. "Our other options are more programs in our departments, more federal money that we are trying to find, [and] other sources of revenues. On the revenue side that is really about all the room that we have," Sauer stated.The county's focus has shifted towards exploring innovative ways to supplement its budget, including tapping into grant opportunities. Sauer highlighted the department's ongoing transition to new software, which has introduced a powerful tool that will streamline the grant identification and application process.

Automating the Grant Pursuit Process

The new software tool promises to revolutionize the way Shawnee County approaches grant funding. "It's again doing a lot of the heavy lifting for them," said Sauer. "They can kind of create some search tools and they can just get notified anytime something new appears in that category. So, they do not have to spend a lot of time going out and manually looking every single week."This automated system will not only save valuable time and resources but also ensure that the county is consistently informed of the latest grant opportunities. The tool's ability to provide concise, one-page summaries of potential grants will further streamline the decision-making process, allowing the department to focus on the most promising funding sources.

Embracing Technological Advancements

The implementation of the new software and grant-tracking tool represents a strategic shift in Shawnee County's approach to revenue generation. By leveraging technology, the Audit Finance Department aims to stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying and securing alternative funding streams to supplement the county's budget.This technological transformation aligns with the county's broader goal of diversifying its revenue sources and reducing its reliance on property taxes. As Sauer emphasized, the county is committed to exploring every avenue, from federal funding to innovative departmental programs, to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of Shawnee County.