BATAVIA — Clermont County commissioners this week approved the general fund appropriations for 2002 without having to make any drastic cuts in departments.

        The $48.3 million is about $1.2 million less than the general fund appropriation for 2001. The cuts came mostly in capital projects and not operating costs.

        “We haven't just cut and told people you're getting less money than you did last year,” said Suki Scheetz, controller of county's Office of Management and Budget. “We didn't have to do that.”

        The general fund was pared down because the county's philosophy is not to appropriate any more money than was received the year before in revenues. The revenues come primarily from property and sales taxes and charges for serv ices.

        “Overall, Clermont County is in strong financial condition,” said David Spinney, county administrator. ""We have been determined to keep the county fiscally conservative, so that in a downturn we do not find ourselves scrambling to make ends meet.”

        The county anticipates no job cuts, although some positions lost to attrition may go unfilled.

        Among the larger appropriations are those to the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, corrections and jail administration, which will receive about $12 million. The Clermont County Prosecutor's Office will receive about $2.2 million.

        “There was excellent cooperation in paring down the appropriations,” said Mr. Spinney. “I think this is a pretty good blueprint for the coming year.”

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