The first six months of fiscal year 2010 are a ‘mixed bag’ for the county’s budget, according to county Finance Manager Butch Burbage.

At the May 10 County Commission work session, Burbage said county revenues are about $1.074 million under budget projections so far.

However, Burbage said he sees signs of economic recovery. April 2010 showed an increase in sales tax revenue over April 2009, the first time that’s happened in two years. The county brought in $2.014 million in sales tax revenues in April 2010, about $114,000 more than the April 2009 sales tax revenue of $1.9 million.

“The last time that happened was June 2008 over June 2007,” Burbage said. “It’s the first time in two years. It’s positive.”

Burbage also said he’s remaining positive because he’s seen good signs in the community, such as signs reading, ‘Now hiring.’

“I think we’re seeing the economy thawing a little bit. It’s been frozen for two years,” he said. “It’s not a recovery by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s something.”