Where Hickman County Stands
A Financial Snapshot and Leadership Plan
Over the past four years, county spending has increased nearly 20%, while population grew just over 3%.
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When spending rises faster than growth, leadership must review, adjust, and protect long-term stability.
View More Detailed Financial Breakdown Below
Snapshot
Spending Up
+19.97%
Population Up
+3.10%
Reserves Down
−19%
Interest Costs Up
+118%
Short line beneath:
Spending has increased significantly faster than the number of people we serve.
Per Capita Impact
Per Resident Spending
FY2021: $789
FY2024: $918
Increase of approximately 16.4% per resident.
When per-person spending rises this quickly, it deserves careful examination.
Reserve Trends
General Fund Balance
FY2021: $5.85 million
FY2024: $4.73 million
Decline: 19.3%
Unassigned Reserve Balance
FY2021: $3.10 million
FY2024: $2.03 million
Decline: 34.5%
Caption:
Reserves are the county’s financial cushion. When they shrink, flexibility shrinks.
Where Did the Money Go?​
From FY2021 to FY2024:
• Public Safety +43%
• Public Health & Welfare +26%
• Interest on Debt +118%
Some increases may reflect post-pandemic realities. Sustained growth, however, requires sustained oversight.
Audit Findings
(2021–2024)
Each of the past four fiscal years included audit findings involving:
• Cash handling weaknesses
• Deposit delays
• Misappropriation of funds
• Internal control deficiencies
Recurring theme: Internal control weaknesses related to oversight and deposit procedures.
This is not about blame. It is about management.
Public Safety and EMS
Public Safety spending increased 43% over four years.
EMS operates under the mayor’s office.
Families need confidence when they call 911.
If elected, I will conduct a structured operational review of:
• Response times
• Staffing models
• Equipment readiness
• Financial controls
• Leadership structure
We strengthen systems by strengthening leadership.
The Path Forward
Financial Discipline
Review spending. Rebuild reserves. Restore stability.
Operational Accountability
Performance review based on data and standards.
Internship Initiative
Partner with universities for grant research, financial analysis, and operational support.
Support Without Overreach
Strengthen volunteer fire and nonprofit services responsibly, without shifting unnecessary burden to taxpayers.
Terri's No Nonsense Take
Leadership is not loud.
It is steady.
Hickman County deserves:
Financial clarity
Operational accountability
Strong public safety
Responsible governance
We cannot drift.
We must steer.
Refuse to Sink.