The 1999-2000 budget will be just over $59.9 million, compared with the current $49.6 million.

County Finance Officer Lisa Buerkley said the reason for the increase is an addition of nearly $9.1 million in the capital improvement fund. Plans to spend the money have not been announced, and County Administrator James Parsons said about $4.5 million will be kept in reserve.

Judge-executive Gary Moore said he would like to schedule a retreat in July or August to discuss ways to spend the money, and Mr. Parsons said it would take several months to put together a plan.

County Commissioner Cathy Flaig said the money should be used for the basics � water and sewer lines and road improvements � and said such needs exist throughout the county.

�One side of the street has (county services), and the other side does not,� Ms. Flaig said.

The capital improvement fund does not include improvements scheduled for Hopeful Road ($550,000), North Bend Road ($1 million) and a $1.9 million county sewer project. Money for those come from other sources.

Other items include:

$9.7 million for administration.

About $6 million for roads and other public works projects.

$4.5 million in the Boone County School Board Tax Fund.

$4.8 million for protection to persons and property.