Spencer, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Handling a household budget is hard enough, but balancing the books for an entire county is becoming even more challenging. Clay County Supervisors continue hearing funding requests from various departments, and Chairman Barry Anderson says the theme this year is “tight.”

One of the biggest variables hanging over the process is the State Legislature. New laws like House Bill 718 have already put caps on property tax revenue, and Anderson believes more restrictions could be coming down the pike.

Despite the financial squeeze, Anderson emphasized that for right now, residents shouldn’t see a drop in county services. The Board meets again January 20th to hear the final round of departmental presentations. The actual budget workshop and tough decisions begin soon after, yet to be determined on the date.