Board debates 2026–27 budget; overtime, inmate housing and fund stabilization are focal points

County staff presented a line‑by‑line draft of the proposed 2026–27 budget that included a recommended 3.8% cost‑of‑living adjustment for elected officials and department heads (later adjusted), a reduction in the budget stabilization line from $200,000 to $100,000, and departmental reallocations such as sharing 0.5 of an MSU secretary’s wage with the building department.

The law‑enforcement budget drew extended debate. Staff provided operational data for the summer period and said, "Out of 106 shifts, 36 shifts had no deputies on duty, and 5 shifts had 1 deputy on duty," a figure commissioners said undercut the case for a proposed $90,000 overtime allocation without a clear staffing plan. Commissioners discussed alternative options, including reducing scheduled overtime, pursuing higher collections through inmate‑housing billing, and continued strategic planning before committing additional general‑fund dollars to overtime. The board signaled a preference for a more conservative interim overtime figure while asking staff for detailed data and follow‑up.