Logan County’s financial picture continues to darken as general fund revenues spiral downward.

It appears the county will get just $15.1 million, down $300,000 from earlier predictions, Logan County Auditor Michael E. Yoder said.

“I told the commissioners at the beginning of the year that this was like no other year I’ve had to estimate before,” he said. “It was almost like throwing a dart at a board.”

Sales tax revenues — the biggest source of general fund revenue — have fallen more than expected, down $60,000 to $70,000 per month for the past three.

As the county continues to weigh the effects of last fall’s economic collapse, it appears the revenues might hit $14 million for 2010, Mr. Yoder said.

Budget requests for 2010 are about $500,000 over expected revenues, so the Logan County Commissioners will face tough decisions in the coming months.

“They have some work to do,” Mr. Yoder said.

General fund revenue pays for many day-to-day governmental operations of the various officeholders. Many have tried to lessen the burden on the general fund through permitted accounting practices and grant opportunities.

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