Work session previews FY27 budget; officials say no tax increase

Acting chair opened a May work session to preview the fiscal year 2027 budget ordinances and related items, saying copies of the proposed ordinances had been placed at commissioners' seats for review. Mr. Gregory, discussing the tax rates, said the proposed budget "does not have a tax increase at all," and that the ordinances would leave tax rates unchanged.

Why it matters: The first readings of the FY27 general appropriations and tax-rate ordinances are scheduled for the upcoming public meeting, which sets the stage for formal adoption and any public hearings that follow. Budgetary decisions will determine county spending levels and whether current tax rates remain in effect.

Details: The chair listed planned first readings for Ordinance 347 (FY27 general appropriations), Ordinance 348 (general tax rate), Ordinance 349 (Urban Services appropriations) and Ordinance 350 (urban services tax rate). Mr. Gregory summarized budget amendments under consideration: two active amendments (10117G, $14,400; and 1103G, $2,400) represent receipt of state grant funds intended to be used as salary supplements for law enforcement personnel. A third item on the amendment list, numbered 1805, was deferred by the budget committee until June.

Commissioners did not take formal votes during the work session; the discussion served to review packet materials and flag items for the next public meeting. The commission was reminded its next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.