Treasurer and CFO report: county finances largely on target; staff flag macro risks and staffing reductions

At the Jan. 26, 2026 meeting, the county treasurer and the chief financial officer presented economic context, the December treasurer's report and a midyear financial status update.

Treasurer's overview

The treasurer (recorded in the minutes as Bill ****, Schutz County Treasurer) reviewed risks tied to federal funding and near-term market conditions, noting the possibility of partial federal funding disruptions and describing recent inflation and jobs data. The treasurer reported the county portfolio balance at $379,200,000 at month end and discussed portfolio yields, LGIP and bank investment rates and recent investment activity.

Midyear budget and fiscal highlights

Chief Financial Officer Robert Chitolce presented the period financial report for 12/31/2025. He said revenues and expenditures remain generally on target against the FY26 budget and that departments are managing vacancies and operational changes ahead of FY27 planning. The report showed a net reduction of 10 FTE this reporting period and noted forthcoming reductions (10.35 FTE in Health Services and 6.6 FTE in Juvenile Community Justice) that will appear in the next report.

PILT and fund details

Chitolce told commissioners that total Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) receipts were $3,900,000 for the period, with $2,400,000 going to the road fund, $424,000 to natural resources and the general fund receiving $1,100,000 as a one-time addition in the current year. Staff noted the general fund and many other funds remain within policy guidelines but flagged areas for continued monitoring, including health benefits and certain projected transfers that will come forward as supplemental budget requests before funds are spent.

Next steps

Staff will continue monitoring revenues and expenditures, prepare any necessary supplemental budget requests for board consideration, and incorporate the midyear projections into FY27 planning.