Whitfield County approves $1.5 million amendment to cover 2025 healthcare costs; October revenues reported above projections

The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 8 to amend the 2025 healthcare budget by $1.5 million to cover additional medical and pharmacy expenses incurred during the year.

Chief Finance Officer Debbie Godfrey presented the October 2025 financial statement showing year-to-date actual revenues of $35,664,848, which exceeded projected revenues by $3,353,805 (10.38%). LOST collections for October were $1,357,508 (2.13% above budget) and TAVT collections for October were $508,959. The board approved the October financial statement and the $1.5 million healthcare budget amendment by 4-0 votes.

Commissioner John Thomas moved the amendment and Commissioner Greg Jones seconded. The board directed that the $1.5 million be prorated to departments and funds based on headcount. The motion passed unanimously among the four recorded commissioners.

Why it matters: The amendment covers healthcare claims that exceeded the county's original 2025 projections and reduces the risk that departments would face unplanned chargebacks or service interruptions. County officials said the overage is being distributed across departmental budgets by headcount, but they did not provide a department-level breakdown at the meeting.

Next steps: County staff will prorate the cost to departments and report adjustments in subsequent financial updates to the board.