MO HB138

Counties may amend annual budgets during a fiscal year when receiving additional funds (federal/state grants or private donations) that could not be estimated at budget adoption, following standard budget adoption procedures with a 30-day notice requirement that includes a published summary of proposed reductions and explanation of shortfall.

Counties may decrease annual budgets twice during a fiscal year if experiencing a verifiable decline in funds of 2 percent or higher that could not be anticipated, provided reductions do not disproportionately affect any one officeholder and negotiations occur with all affected independently elected officials before any reductions.

Budget decreases authorized under this section cannot impact any dedicated funds otherwise provided by law.

County commissioners retain authority to reduce budgets of departments under their direct supervision and responsibility at any time without the restrictions imposed by this section.

Charter counties are not restricted by these provisions and may amend budgets pursuant to their charter terms; the entire section expires on July 1, 2016.