Board chair and members urge thorough review of upcoming budget; finance committee scheduling discussed

Several board members used Thursday’s finance committee meeting to underscore that producing the annual budget is a core function of the county board and to urge colleagues to engage earlier and more frequently in the review process.
Chairman Carl Johnson told members the board must treat the budget process seriously and review department materials in advance. “This is creating the budget for the county is one of the primary functions of this board,” Johnson said, adding that conservative fiscal stewardship is an obligation to taxpayers.
Other members echoed that sentiment and suggested scheduling: the administration reminded members state law requires the county to “lay over” the budget (typically at the October meeting) but that staff can arrange a finance-focused meeting before then so members can review and discuss proposed changes prior to the formal layover.
Why it matters: Several members reported departments will submit requests that may require trimming or re-prioritizing and said early, detailed review avoids last-minute changes. Staff noted that the county’s budget calendar and supporting detail are available in the board materials repository and encouraged members to use one-on-one time with department heads to get clarification before meetings.
Next steps: Staff will circulate the budget calendar and department schedules; board members asked staff to consider flipping the usual sequence so a finance meeting occurs before the October layover. No formal action was taken; the board will revisit scheduling next month.