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Meeker 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:

9,543.88

The expenses per resident at the local level is:

9,355.81

The outstanding debt per resident at the local level is:

7,984.86

 
MeekerMinnesotaNational



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

Revenue226,3339,543.88100.0041,7739,988.76100.000.961.0039,604,3936,838.08100.001.401.001.461.00

  General revenue208,2938,783.1892.0338,3099,160.4591.710.961.0036,458,9026,294.9892.061.401.001.461.00

    Intergovernmental revenue94,2493,974.2441.649,6932,317.7923.201.711.7916,641,2632,873.2842.021.380.990.810.55
      From Federal government11,514485.525.09578138.211.383.513.681,926,442332.624.861.461.050.420.28
      From State government82,7353,488.7236.559,1152,179.5821.821.601.6814,714,8212,540.6637.151.370.980.860.59
      From local government00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

    General revenue from own sources114,0444,808.9450.3928,6166,842.6668.500.700.7419,817,6393,421.7150.041.411.012.001.37
      Taxes40,1921,694.7917.7616,2793,892.6438.970.440.4611,133,7591,922.3528.110.880.632.021.39
        Property39,7241,675.0617.5514,7403,524.6335.290.480.5010,172,6131,756.4025.690.950.682.011.37
        Sales & gross receipts241.010.011,244297.472.980.000.00631,524109.041.590.010.012.731.87
          General sales20.080.001,060253.472.540.000.00402,51369.501.020.000.003.652.50
          Selective sales220.930.0118444.000.440.020.02229,01139.540.580.020.021.110.76
            Motor fuel sales00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
            Alcoholic beverage sales00.000.0000.240.000.000.002,5550.440.010.000.000.000.00
            Tobacco product sales00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
            Public utilities220.930.0116439.220.390.020.02160,39727.690.400.030.021.420.97
            Other selective sales00.000.00204.780.050.000.0066,05911.410.170.000.000.420.29
        Individual income tax00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
        Corporate income tax00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
        Motor vehicle license00.000.0014334.190.340.000.0012,6992.190.030.000.0015.6010.68
        Other taxes44418.720.2015236.350.360.520.54316,92354.720.800.340.250.660.45

      Charges & misc general revenue73,8523,114.1532.6312,3372,950.0229.531.061.108,683,8801,499.3621.932.081.491.971.35
        Current charges61,7342,603.1627.2811,1872,675.0426.780.971.026,791,9261,172.6917.152.221.592.281.56
          Education2,518106.181.1129269.820.701.521.59431,18474.451.091.431.020.940.64
            Institution of higher education00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
            School lunch sales (gross)32813.830.14327.650.081.811.8941,1507.100.101.951.391.080.74
          Hospitals46,1691,946.8320.408,9492,139.8921.420.910.952,375,400410.146.004.753.405.223.57
          Highways68728.970.3015737.540.380.770.81207,98335.910.530.810.581.050.72
          Air transportation (airports)1014.260.0400.240.0017.8118.64308,76753.310.780.080.060.000.00
          Parking facilities00.000.0000.240.000.000.0060,41410.430.150.000.000.000.00
          Sea and inland port facilities00.000.0000.240.000.000.0024,0794.160.060.000.000.000.00
          Natural resources1456.110.068520.330.200.300.3143,8197.570.110.810.582.691.84
          Parks and recreation82934.960.3720.480.0073.0976.50323,02155.770.820.630.450.010.01
          Housing and comm development67528.460.3013432.040.320.890.93334,45057.750.840.490.350.550.38
          Sewerage6,002253.092.65534127.691.281.982.071,079,457186.382.731.360.970.690.47
          Solid waste management26811.300.12623148.971.490.080.08396,35168.431.000.170.122.181.49
          Other charges4,340183.011.9241198.280.981.861.951,207,001208.403.050.880.630.470.32

        Miscellaneous general revenue12,118510.985.351,150274.992.751.861.941,891,954326.664.781.561.120.840.58
          Interest earnings74231.290.3325560.980.610.510.5481,85114.130.212.211.594.312.95
          Special assessments2,19392.470.9751.200.0177.3480.95382,33766.010.971.401.000.020.01
          Sale of property180.760.0192.150.020.350.3744,4347.670.110.100.070.280.19
          Other general revenue9,165386.464.05881210.662.111.831.921,383,332238.853.491.621.160.880.60

  Utility revenue15,651659.966.923,464828.318.290.800.832,804,416484.217.081.360.981.711.17
    Water supply3,047128.481.351,890451.944.520.280.301,019,564176.042.570.730.522.571.76
    Electric power12,604531.485.571,403335.493.361.581.661,630,259281.484.121.891.351.190.82
    Gas supply00.000.0017140.890.410.000.00146,94625.370.370.000.001.611.10
    Transit00.000.0000.240.000.000.007,6471.320.020.000.000.000.00

  Liquor store revenue2,389100.741.0600.240.00421.29440.92341,07558.890.861.711.230.000.00

  Insurance trust revenue00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Unemployment compensation00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Employee retirement00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Workers' compensation00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Other insurance trust revenue00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

Expenditure221,8739,355.81100.0041,8149,998.57100.000.941.0039,748,4776,862.96100.001.361.001.461.00

  Intergovernmental expenditure00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
  Direct expenditure221,8739,355.81100.0041,8149,998.57100.000.941.0039,748,4776,862.96100.001.361.001.461.00
    Current operation176,7907,454.7879.6836,6068,753.2387.540.850.9132,015,2065,527.7480.541.350.991.581.09
    Capital outlay38,9771,643.5617.574,7411,133.6711.341.451.556,605,0051,140.4216.621.441.060.990.68
      Construction38,9771,643.5617.574,7411,133.6711.341.451.556,605,0051,140.4216.621.441.060.990.68
    Assistance and subsidies00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Interest on debt6,106257.472.75467111.671.122.312.461,128,266194.812.841.320.970.570.39
    Insurance benefits and repayments00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
    Exhibit: salaries & wages62,4452,633.1428.146,1831,478.4814.791.781.909,996,4111,725.9825.151.531.120.860.59

  Direct expenditure by function221,8739,355.81100.0041,8149,998.57100.000.941.0039,748,4776,862.96100.001.361.001.461.00
    Direct general expenditure203,0318,561.2991.5137,5668,982.7889.840.951.0236,572,2336,314.5592.011.360.991.420.98
      Capital outlay34,8391,469.0715.702,200526.065.262.792.986,083,8211,050.4315.311.401.030.500.34


Education services:
      Other direct general expenditure168,1927,092.2275.8135,3668,456.7284.580.840.9030,488,4125,264.1276.701.350.991.611.10
      Education93,8843,958.8442.3111,5412,759.6827.601.431.5315,129,3442,612.2338.061.521.111.060.73
          Capital outlay21,838920.859.84635151.841.526.066.482,250,972388.655.662.371.740.390.27
        Higher education00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
          Capital outlay00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
        Elementary & Secondary education93,8843,958.8442.3111,5412,759.6827.601.431.5315,129,3442,612.2338.061.521.111.060.73
          Capital outlay21,838920.859.84635151.841.526.066.482,250,972388.655.662.371.740.390.27
        Other education00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Libraries29712.520.1300.240.0052.3755.97263,99745.580.660.270.200.000.00


Social services and income maintenance:
      Public welfare8,360352.523.7740.960.01368.56393.881,673,056288.874.211.220.900.000.00
        Other public welfare8,360352.523.7740.960.01368.56393.881,673,056288.874.211.220.900.000.00
      Hospitals39,7501,676.1517.929,4792,266.6222.670.740.792,188,338377.845.514.443.256.004.12
        Capital outlay1,86678.680.8415035.870.362.192.3423,8594.120.0619.1014.018.715.98
      Health2,00684.590.901,750418.464.190.200.22945,598163.272.380.520.382.561.76
      Social insurance administration00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Veterans' services00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

Transportaion:
      Highways17,114721.657.714,5051,077.2410.770.670.723,570,164616.428.981.170.861.751.20
        Capital outlay7,689324.233.47674161.171.612.012.151,980,874342.024.980.950.700.470.32
      Air transportation (airports)1636.870.0700.240.0028.7430.72477,64882.471.200.080.060.000.00
      Parking facilities00.000.0000.240.000.000.0087,14615.050.220.000.000.000.00
      Sea and inland port facilities00.000.0000.240.000.000.0024,8424.290.060.000.000.000.00

Public safety:
      Police protection7,204303.773.251,185283.362.831.071.152,114,205365.045.320.830.610.780.53
      Fire protection1,46861.900.6631174.370.740.830.89626,970108.251.580.570.420.690.47
      Correction2,02985.560.9100.240.00357.80382.38635,771109.771.600.780.570.000.00
        Capital outlay261.100.0100.240.004.584.9021,9133.780.060.290.210.000.00
      Protective inspection & regulation1144.810.05153.590.041.341.4379,07713.650.200.350.260.260.18

Environment and housing:
      Natural resources2,664112.331.20485115.971.160.971.04335,27157.890.841.941.422.001.38
        Capital outlay381.600.0200.240.006.707.1627,1904.690.070.340.250.000.00
      Parks and recreation2,36699.771.0733780.580.811.241.321,173,688202.652.950.490.360.400.27
        Capital outlay35715.050.164510.760.111.401.50337,73658.310.850.260.190.180.13
      Housing and comm development94439.810.43527126.021.260.320.341,054,781182.122.650.220.160.690.47
      Sewerage5,173218.132.3329169.580.703.133.351,062,521183.452.671.190.870.380.26
        Capital outlay1,98283.580.89409.560.108.749.34281,01748.520.711.721.260.200.14
      Solid waste management35615.010.16798190.821.910.080.08461,07479.611.160.190.142.401.65
        Capital outlay00.000.00163.830.040.000.0037,7346.520.090.000.000.590.40

Governmental administration:
      Financial administration1,33456.250.60476113.821.140.490.53517,28389.311.300.630.461.270.87
      Judicial and legal923.880.041,166278.812.790.010.01233,61940.340.590.100.076.914.74
      General public buildings00.000.00610145.861.460.000.00216,97437.460.550.000.003.892.67
      Other governmental administration1,17749.630.53765182.931.830.270.29393,27467.900.990.730.542.691.85
      Interest on general debt5,787244.022.6139293.740.942.602.781,039,580179.492.621.361.000.520.36

General expenditures, n.e.c.:
      Misc commercial activities622.610.0323455.950.560.050.0527,8614.810.070.540.4011.637.98
      Other and unallocable10,687450.644.822,695644.436.450.700.752,240,151386.785.641.170.851.671.14

Utility expenditures:
    Utility expenditure16,633701.377.504,2481,015.7810.160.690.742,864,754494.637.211.421.042.051.41
        Capital outlay4,138174.491.872,541607.606.080.290.31515,27188.971.301.961.446.834.69
      Water supply3,071129.501.383,122746.537.470.170.191,080,219186.512.720.690.514.002.75
      Electric power13,544571.126.101,068255.382.552.242.391,476,314254.903.712.241.641.000.69
      Gas supply00.000.005813.870.140.000.00131,50922.710.330.000.000.610.42
      Transit180.760.0100.240.003.173.39176,71230.510.440.020.020.000.00

Liquor store expenditures:
    Liquor store expenditure2,20993.151.0000.240.00389.54416.31311,49053.780.781.731.270.000.00

Insurance trust expenditures:
    Insurance trust expenditure00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Unemployment compensation00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Employee retirement00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Workers' compensation00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00
      Other insurance trust00.000.0000.240.000.000.0000.000.000.000.000.000.00

Debt outstanding189,3617,984.86100.0021,2895,090.63100.001.571.0033,599,1835,801.23100.001.381.000.881.00

  Short-term debt outstanding00.000.0000.240.000.000.0062,00210.710.180.000.000.000.00
  Long-term debt outstanding189,3617,984.86100.0021,2895,090.63100.001.571.0033,537,1815,790.5299.821.381.000.881.00

Long-term debt issued18,029NANA7,934NANANANA4,368,614NANANANANANA
Long-term debt retired20,826NANA890NANANANA3,137,808NANANANANANA


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus