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Clay County – Government Finance

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Government finances play a pivotal role in shaping the local economy, influencing economic growth, stability, and the overall well-being of communities. The impact of government finances on the local economy can be analyzed through several key mechanisms, including public spending, taxation, debt management, and fiscal policies. These elements collectively determine the flow of resources, the level of economic activity, and the quality of life for residents.

  1. Public Spending and Investment One of the most direct ways government finances affect the local economy is through public spending. Governments allocate funds to infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, public safety, and social services. These investments create jobs, stimulate demand for goods and services, and enhance the productivity of the local workforce. For instance, building roads, bridges, and public transportation systems not only provides immediate employment opportunities but also improves connectivity, reducing transportation costs for businesses and facilitating trade. Similarly, investments in education and healthcare contribute to a skilled and healthy workforce, which is essential for long-term economic growth.

  2. Taxation Policies Taxation is another critical component of government finances that impacts the local economy. Taxes fund public services and infrastructure, but they also influence the behavior of individuals and businesses. High tax rates can discourage investment and consumption, potentially stifling economic growth. Conversely, low tax rates may attract businesses and stimulate spending but can lead to budget deficits if not managed properly. Progressive taxation, where higher-income individuals pay a larger share, can reduce income inequality and increase disposable income for lower-income households, boosting local demand for goods and services.

  3. Debt Management Government borrowing and debt management also have significant implications for the local economy. When governments borrow to finance deficits or invest in long-term projects, they can stimulate economic activity in the short term. However, excessive debt can lead to higher interest rates, crowding out private investment, and increasing the risk of financial instability. Effective debt management ensures that borrowing is sustainable and that funds are used efficiently to generate economic returns.

  4. Fiscal Policies Fiscal policies, including government spending and taxation, are tools used to manage economic cycles. During economic downturns, expansionary fiscal policies, such as increased spending and tax cuts, can stimulate demand and help the economy recover. Conversely, during periods of high inflation, contractionary fiscal policies, such as reduced spending and higher taxes, can help cool down the economy. The timing and effectiveness of these policies are crucial in stabilizing the local economy and maintaining public confidence.

  5. Social and Economic Equity Government finances also play a role in promoting social and economic equity. Redistributive policies, such as social welfare programs and subsidies, can reduce poverty and inequality, leading to a more inclusive economy. By providing a safety net for vulnerable populations, governments can ensure that all residents have access to basic needs, which in turn supports overall economic stability and growth.

  6. Conclusion In summary, government finances have a profound impact on the local economy through public spending, taxation, debt management, and fiscal policies. Effective management of these financial tools can stimulate economic growth, reduce inequality, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Conversely, poor financial management can lead to economic instability, reduced investment, and social unrest. Therefore, it is essential for governments to adopt prudent fiscal policies and ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently and equitably to support sustainable economic development.

A key indicator for comparison is how much government collects, spends and and establishes debt for each resident under its perview.

The revenue per resident at the local level is:

4,733.71

The expenses per resident at the local level is:

4,265.53

The outstanding debt per resident at the local level is:

759.14

 
ClayAlabamaNational



LocalLocalLocalLocalStateState
PerContri-PerContri-PerContri-
LocalPer CentStatePer CentCapitabutionNationalPer CentCapitabutionCapitabution
Description(,000's)Per Capitato Total(,000's)Per Capitato TotalIndexIndex(,000's)Per Capitato TotalIndexIndexIndexIndex

Revenue68,4924,733.71100.0029,760,7085,797.75100.000.821.002,344,548,4806,947.35100.000.681.000.831.00

  General revenue67,0034,630.8097.8326,246,1355,113.0788.190.911.112,168,968,4006,427.0792.510.721.060.800.95

    Intergovernmental revenue32,3282,234.2947.2010,299,9062,006.5534.611.111.36808,559,1482,395.9234.490.931.370.841.00
      From Federal government8,844611.2412.911,498,086291.855.032.092.57146,274,793433.446.241.412.070.670.81
      From State government23,4841,623.0634.298,801,8201,714.7029.580.951.16662,284,3551,962.4828.250.831.210.871.05
      From local government00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

    General revenue from own sources34,6752,396.5050.6315,946,2293,106.5253.580.770.941,360,409,2524,031.1558.020.590.870.770.92
      Taxes8,814609.1612.877,579,5241,476.5825.470.410.51894,124,7052,649.4638.140.230.340.560.67
        Property3,838265.265.603,040,037592.2410.210.450.55627,434,2421,859.2126.760.140.210.320.38
        Sales & gross receipts3,957273.485.783,645,916710.2712.250.390.47165,801,503491.307.070.560.821.451.73
          General sales3,053211.004.463,105,580605.0110.440.350.43125,994,306373.355.370.570.831.621.94
          Selective sales90462.481.32540,336105.261.820.590.7339,807,197117.961.700.530.780.891.07
            Motor fuel sales23516.240.34127,94624.930.430.650.801,892,6875.610.082.904.254.445.33
            Alcoholic beverage sales785.390.1151,99310.130.170.530.65845,0352.500.042.153.164.054.85
            Tobacco product sales20914.440.3128,1485.480.092.633.23318,8170.940.0115.2922.445.806.96
            Public utilities00.000.00132,84025.880.450.000.0015,744,64746.650.670.000.000.550.66
            Other selective sales38226.400.56199,40938.850.670.680.8321,006,01162.240.900.420.620.620.75
        Individual income tax00.000.00137,08326.710.460.000.0044,730,192132.541.910.000.000.200.24
        Corporate income tax00.000.0000.000.000.000.0011,009,92732.620.470.000.000.000.00
        Motor vehicle license26518.320.3919,3643.770.074.865.952,263,6136.710.102.734.010.560.67
        Other taxes75452.111.10737,124143.602.480.360.4442,885,228127.081.830.410.601.131.35

      Charges & misc general revenue25,8611,787.3437.768,366,7051,629.9428.111.101.34466,284,5471,381.6919.891.291.901.181.41
        Current charges24,5241,694.9335.817,271,1961,416.5224.431.201.47365,048,3361,081.7115.571.572.301.311.57
          Education71649.491.05290,48556.590.980.871.0719,143,89456.730.820.871.281.001.20
            Institution of higher education00.000.0000.000.000.000.007,681,25722.760.330.000.000.000.00
            School lunch sales (gross)1218.360.1847,5069.250.160.901.111,566,4414.640.071.802.641.992.39
          Hospitals19,5441,350.7528.535,301,2821,032.7517.811.311.60124,953,811370.265.333.655.352.793.34
          Highways00.000.0011,8342.310.040.000.0010,287,28930.480.440.000.000.080.09
          Air transportation (airports)00.000.00129,69125.270.440.000.0022,414,40266.420.960.000.000.380.46
          Parking facilities00.000.0011,9712.330.040.000.002,924,3498.670.120.000.000.270.32
          Sea and inland port facilities00.000.0000.000.000.000.004,760,82614.110.200.000.000.000.00
          Natural resources00.000.003230.060.000.000.002,531,1967.500.110.000.000.010.01
          Parks and recreation00.000.0080,15015.610.270.000.009,708,20828.770.410.000.000.540.65
          Housing and comm development94265.101.3877,42215.080.264.325.297,308,73521.660.313.014.410.700.83
          Sewerage21514.860.31669,316130.392.250.110.1468,695,647203.562.930.070.110.640.77
          Solid waste management2,803193.724.09261,47250.940.883.804.6621,694,93864.290.933.014.420.790.95
          Other charges30421.010.44437,25085.181.470.250.3070,625,041209.283.010.100.150.410.49

        Miscellaneous general revenue1,33792.401.951,095,509213.423.680.430.53101,236,211299.984.320.310.450.710.85
          Interest earnings1369.400.20134,86026.270.450.360.4410,227,01630.300.440.310.460.871.04
          Special assessments191.310.0340,7767.940.140.170.2015,026,42544.530.640.030.040.180.21
          Sale of property835.740.12104,27420.310.350.280.353,784,73711.210.160.510.751.812.17
          Other general revenue1,09975.961.60815,599158.892.740.480.5972,198,033213.943.080.360.520.740.89

  Utility revenue1,489102.912.173,514,573684.6811.810.150.18173,592,043514.397.400.200.291.331.59
    Water supply1,16280.311.701,101,532214.593.700.370.4680,167,107237.553.420.340.500.901.08
    Electric power00.000.001,950,181379.926.550.000.0078,135,733231.533.330.000.001.641.97
    Gas supply32722.600.48459,46289.511.540.250.317,630,12322.610.331.001.473.964.74
    Transit00.000.003,3980.660.010.000.007,659,08022.700.330.000.000.030.03

  Liquor store revenue00.000.0000.000.000.000.001,988,0375.890.080.000.000.000.00

  Insurance trust revenue00.000.0000.000.000.000.00162,8580.480.010.000.000.000.00
    Unemployment compensation00.000.0000.000.000.000.00162,8580.480.010.000.000.000.00
    Employee retirement00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Workers' compensation00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Other insurance trust revenue00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

Expenditure61,7184,265.53100.0028,336,6685,520.33100.000.771.002,254,418,5176,680.28100.000.641.000.831.00

  Intergovernmental expenditure00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
  Direct expenditure61,7184,265.53100.0028,336,6685,520.33100.000.771.002,254,418,5176,680.28100.000.641.000.831.00
    Current operation58,7254,058.6895.1524,291,3084,732.2485.720.861.111,887,390,8875,592.7083.720.731.140.851.02
    Capital outlay2,378164.353.853,373,377657.1811.900.250.32284,581,195843.2712.620.190.310.780.94
      Construction2,378164.353.853,373,377657.1811.900.250.32284,581,195843.2712.620.190.310.780.94
    Assistance and subsidies00.000.0000.000.000.000.002,376,9447.040.110.000.000.000.00
    Interest on debt61542.501.00671,983130.912.370.320.4280,069,491237.263.550.180.280.550.67
    Insurance benefits and repayments00.000.0000.000.000.000.0039,9940.120.000.000.000.000.00
    Exhibit: salaries & wages23,7691,642.7538.517,927,2071,544.3227.981.061.38525,546,0041,557.2923.311.051.650.991.20

  Direct expenditure by function61,7184,265.53100.0028,336,6685,520.33100.000.771.002,254,418,5176,680.28100.000.641.000.831.00
    Direct general expenditure59,7854,131.9496.8725,033,9214,876.9188.340.851.102,024,660,7925,999.4689.810.691.080.810.98
      Capital outlay2,323160.553.762,950,363574.7710.410.280.36233,677,777692.4310.370.230.360.831.00


Education services:
      Other direct general expenditure57,4623,971.3993.1022,083,5584,302.1577.930.921.191,790,983,0155,307.0379.440.751.170.810.98
      Education21,2141,466.1734.379,947,3331,937.8635.100.760.98862,837,2522,556.7538.270.570.900.760.92
          Capital outlay41728.820.68957,663186.563.380.150.2089,314,081264.653.960.110.170.700.85
        Higher education00.000.0000.000.000.000.0046,067,730136.512.040.000.000.000.00
          Capital outlay00.000.0000.000.000.000.005,394,84215.990.240.000.000.000.00
        Elementary & Secondary education21,2141,466.1734.379,947,3331,937.8635.100.760.98814,392,5782,413.2036.120.610.950.800.97
          Capital outlay41728.820.68957,663186.563.380.150.2083,919,239248.673.720.120.180.750.91
        Other education00.000.0000.000.000.000.002,376,9447.040.110.000.000.000.00
      Libraries1157.950.19100,70719.620.360.410.5213,625,82240.380.600.200.310.490.59


Social services and income maintenance:
      Public welfare704.840.1152,94610.310.190.470.6167,699,317200.613.000.020.040.050.06
        Other public welfare704.840.1152,94610.310.190.470.6167,699,317200.613.000.020.040.050.06
      Hospitals23,2101,604.1237.616,014,3141,171.6621.221.371.77141,312,054418.736.273.836.002.803.39
        Capital outlay74451.421.21694,991135.392.450.380.496,546,84619.400.292.654.156.988.45
      Health00.000.00584,908113.952.060.000.0077,108,561228.493.420.000.000.500.60
      Social insurance administration00.000.0000.000.000.000.0035,9470.110.000.000.000.000.00
      Veterans' services00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

Transportaion:
      Highways2,436168.363.95978,810190.683.450.881.1482,616,882244.813.660.691.080.780.94
        Capital outlay25217.420.41196,67438.310.690.450.5930,060,50189.081.330.200.310.430.52
      Air transportation (airports)10.070.00142,73027.810.500.000.0028,556,24984.621.270.000.000.330.40
      Parking facilities00.000.0016,8223.280.060.000.002,108,1706.250.090.000.000.520.63
      Sea and inland port facilities00.000.0000.000.000.000.004,034,90811.960.180.000.000.000.00

Public safety:
      Police protection2,274157.163.681,320,870257.324.660.610.79119,298,947353.515.290.440.700.730.88
      Fire protection1057.260.17602,373117.352.130.060.0864,033,823189.742.840.040.060.620.75
      Correction1,26187.152.04195,79338.140.692.282.9632,595,24396.591.450.901.410.390.48
        Capital outlay31321.630.511,5860.310.0170.0190.61915,2972.710.047.9812.490.110.14
      Protective inspection & regulation00.000.0052,71210.270.190.000.007,062,87020.930.310.000.000.490.59

Environment and housing:
      Natural resources271.870.0417,4443.400.060.550.7113,342,66139.540.590.050.070.090.10
        Capital outlay00.000.008,9951.750.030.000.004,485,96313.290.200.000.000.130.16
      Parks and recreation33022.810.53454,03788.451.600.260.3343,717,263129.541.940.180.280.680.83
        Capital outlay20.140.0040,2977.850.140.020.0210,096,60129.920.450.000.010.260.32
      Housing and comm development2,230154.123.61647,046126.052.281.221.5858,336,344172.862.590.891.400.730.88
      Sewerage48833.730.79513,590100.051.810.340.4468,504,527202.993.040.170.260.490.60
        Capital outlay302.070.05154,17730.040.540.070.0923,319,98269.101.030.030.050.430.53
      Solid waste management2,654183.434.30358,72369.881.272.623.4028,653,83084.911.272.163.380.821.00
        Capital outlay00.000.0027,5755.370.100.000.001,863,1165.520.080.000.000.971.18

Governmental administration:
      Financial administration1,634112.932.65331,88964.661.171.752.2623,707,42470.251.051.612.520.921.11
      Judicial and legal57839.950.94187,40436.510.661.091.4227,887,73782.641.240.480.760.440.53
      General public buildings22415.480.36111,81021.780.390.710.9213,643,40540.430.610.380.600.540.65
      Other governmental administration23716.380.38548,299106.821.930.150.2037,267,357110.431.650.150.230.971.17
      Interest on general debt37826.120.61549,311107.011.940.240.3266,807,524197.962.960.130.210.540.65

General expenditures, n.e.c.:
      Misc commercial activities00.000.0015,0482.930.050.000.002,707,8798.020.120.000.000.370.44
      Other and unallocable31922.050.521,289,002251.114.550.090.11137,158,796406.436.080.050.080.620.75

Utility expenditures:
    Utility expenditure1,933133.603.133,302,747643.4211.660.210.27228,078,201675.8410.120.200.310.951.15
        Capital outlay553.800.09423,01482.411.490.050.0650,897,505150.822.260.030.040.550.66
      Water supply1,670115.422.711,061,343206.763.750.560.7282,479,587244.403.660.470.740.851.02
      Electric power00.000.001,752,771341.466.190.000.0073,696,368218.383.270.000.001.561.89
      Gas supply26318.180.43409,69379.811.450.230.297,182,24421.280.320.851.343.754.54
      Transit00.000.0078,94015.380.280.000.0064,720,002191.782.870.000.000.080.10

Liquor store expenditures:
    Liquor store expenditure00.000.0000.000.000.000.001,679,5244.980.070.000.000.000.00

Insurance trust expenditures:
    Insurance trust expenditure00.000.0000.000.000.000.0039,9940.120.000.000.000.000.00
      Unemployment compensation00.000.0000.000.000.000.0039,9940.120.000.000.000.000.00
      Employee retirement00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Workers' compensation00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Other insurance trust00.000.0000.000.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

Debt outstanding10,984759.14100.0020,063,8883,908.69100.000.191.002,042,775,1706,053.14100.000.131.000.651.00

  Short-term debt outstanding17812.301.62343,97467.011.710.180.9528,356,92884.031.390.151.170.801.24
  Long-term debt outstanding10,806746.8498.3819,719,9143,841.6898.290.191.002,014,418,2425,969.1198.610.131.000.641.00

Long-term debt issued0NANA2,661,454NANANANA264,717,314NANANANANANA
Long-term debt retired3,232NANA2,514,404NANANANA218,916,559NANANANANANA


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus