St. Francois County commissioners adopt 2025 budget; auditor's office cites $54 million total

St. Francois County commissioners voted to adopt the county's 2025 budget after a public presentation of the auditor's recommended plan.

The auditor's office told the commission it forecasted $37,700,000 in revenues for 2025 and reported prior-year surpluses of $16,300,000, which the auditor's message combined as a $54,000,000 total. The message also listed budgeted line items, including about $17,300,000 for wages and benefits and nearly $10,000,000 proposed to be spent from surplus funds. The auditor's office said it would continue to review and monitor requisitions and spending to protect county taxpayers.

Unidentified Speaker 7, delivering the budget message, said the proposed budget had been posted on the county website and reviewed during a public hearing Dec. 17. "The annual budget process began with...the distribution of monthly reports for office holders and department heads," the speaker said, summarizing the steps that led to the commission's recommendation. The commission noted the posted budget is an itemized, 78‑page document available online and left an open comment period before final adoption.

At the meeting, Unidentified Speaker 6 moved to approve the 2025 budget as presented; Unidentified Speaker 1 seconded. The commission voted by voice to adopt the budget.

The auditor's message included a statement that the auditor's office would remain vigilant in monitoring compliance and spending. The meeting record shows the commission approved the budget and directed the auditor's office to post the final adopted document on the county website.

Next steps: the adopted budget will be posted online and the county will continue routine midyear reviews and adjustments if revenues differ materially from projections.