Recognizing today’s economic climate, and with the benefit of UAC’s building now completely paid for, county dues to the 83-year-old organization will drop by 10 percent in 2010.

This comes after the UAC Board of Directors reviewed and passed the 2010 proposed budget report at their September 10 meeting.

“Our appreciation is extended to the Budget and Executive Committees, with the help of UAC staffer Jill Brown for their extra efforts to not only help us reduce costs and share that with our members, but to do so much earlier than we normally do,” said Executive Director Brent Gardner.

Indeed, the budget process was finished in record time this year. Most years, a final budget is not approved until the November Annual Convention. However, some additional methods and work on tracking and monitoring month-to-month activity has expedited the process this year.

UAC executives also point out that the organization has proposed a dues increase only twice in the last eight years, and that this represents the second consecutive decrease.

“I believe we are in a sound position financially,” said Gardner. “This is good news to everyone, and I think we will be able to stay lean and focused on servicing the needs of the counties for the foreseeable future.”