Shelby County Board approves 2025 levy package, appointments and calendars

The Shelby County Board voted to approve the 2025 tax-levy package for fiscal year 2026, accepted a package of appointments, approved meeting calendars and passed a clients list during its meeting.

Chair read a letter from Chairman Mayall summarizing the budget committee's work, which said the committee reviewed every fund balance, historical trends and forward-looking spending estimates. The letter stated the committee identified and funded shortfalls in the Social Security Fund and used excess reserves in some accounts—citing IMRF as an example—to reduce the overall 2026 levy amount. The letter also thanked consulting firm Sikich and Shelby County Clerk Jessica Fox for their assistance and input.

Board members asked procedural questions before the levy vote, including whether the Shelby County treasurer had been involved in preparing the levy. A member said the treasurer told them she was not involved; others noted the budget committee and the county's CPAs had contributed to the figures.

After discussion, the board conducted a roll-call vote and approved the levy-related package (roll call and votes recorded). The board also approved a grouped package of committee appointments and individual chairman appointments after brief discussion and roll-call votes. Committee reports noted that the finance committee met and paid bills and staff reported on recent road work.

Votes at a glance:

- Motion to approve minutes from the Nov. 13 meeting — moved and seconded; voice vote, motion passed (SEG 081-086).
- Grouped committee appointments — roll call, unanimous approval (SEG 323-379).
- Motion to consider and approve the 2025 tax levy for fiscal year 2026 — committee presentation and letter read; roll call, motion passed (SEG 381-525).
- Approval of board meeting calendars and schedules — vote passed (SEG 526-536).
- Approval of clients (consent item) — roll call, unanimous approval (SEG 606-639).

The meeting record shows motions and votes were recorded by roll call for major items; some members asked for additional staff follow-up on appointment rationale. No board member proposed additional budget amendments during this session.

The board did not take any immediate final action on specific renewable-energy projects; those issues remained in the public-comment and education stage at the meeting's close.