Liberty County finance staff report solid cash position, approve five-year CIP and set a millage estimate for notices

Samantha Richardson (finance) presented the county’s February 2026 financial statements. She said the general fund had collected approximately 63% of anticipated revenues and spent 61% of budgeted expenditures through February; the unreserved fund balance covers about 4.75 months of operating expenditures. Richardson told the board that some departmental overages (judicial administration, jail food, road equipment repairs) are timing issues tied to case and contract schedules.

Staff also reviewed sales-tax (SPLOST) and T-Loss receipts and noted SPLAS/T-Loss proceeds had exceeded prior expectations; these proceeds can fund some CIP items. The board reviewed a printed five-year capital improvement plan (CIP) and heard that some items could be funded with SPLOST/T-Loss proceeds. After discussion the board approved the five-year CIP and associated funding recommendations; the motion passed by voice vote.

Finance staff explained a state change (House Bill 581) requires counties to estimate a rollback millage rate on assessment notices before the final digest is available. Given the missing digest, staff recommended using last year’s millage as the estimate to meet deadlines. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and other counties for clarity; staff will return with any updated guidance.

The board approved the CIP and the recommended approach for the millage estimate to comply with state deadlines.