Citrus County Property Appraiser Geoffrey Greene has announced that his office has returned all applicable unused funds to the taxing authorities after the close of the fiscal year-end financials.

“For 2010-11, more than $350,000 has been returned, and this is the highest amount my office has returned to date over the last seven years,” Greene said.

He went on to explain, “Only after my office closes out financial records within 30 days of the end of each fiscal year (Sept. 30), and can we determines the actual amount to go back. I believe we all need to do our part to cut costs. Since taking office, I am proud that an office of my size has succeeded in returning more than $800,000.”

Greene added, “These returned funds are reflective of my conservative approach to running government. Just because there are dollars in a particular budget line item, does not mean the dollars must be spent.” This year the actual final amount is $356,808. This amount comes from personnel and benefits (including the unanticipated reduction in Florida State Retirement rates to local governments), along with reductions in expenses such as postage, legal expenses and travel and mileage reimbursement.

Approximately 75 percent of the total funds came from personnel and benefits accounts mainly due to retirements, unanticipated vacancies which occurred throughout the year.

“If a vacancy occurs, positions are not automatically filled immediately, except for those critical to our mission," Greene said. "I have directed my management staff to carefully review all hiring to be sure there isn’t a better way, first using existing staff. They must prove to me that hiring is necessary.” Dependent upon the particular position and/or the prior person’s duration of service, a new hire may result in savings.

Greene said he appreciates his staff continuing to recognize the challenges of this economy. The staff continues to work hard even though raises have not been possible for the last three years.

“I continue to look forward to an economic rebound, and hope it is soon,” Greene said.

All funds are distributed by law to the following taxing authorities, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), including Fire District, Hospital Board of Trustees, SWFWMD, Mosquito Control, and Homosassa Special Water District. The allocation is based upon their relative percentage of the prior year’s tax roll. For 2010-11, the BOCC will receive 89 percent of the funds, or $ 316,851. The remaining $39,957 - or, 11 percent- is shared by all others specified above on the same basis.