Russell County fiscal court hears first reading of $17.06 million budget ordinance

A staff member for the Russell County Fiscal Court presented the first reading of Budget Ordinance 2603 on May 28, outlining proposed appropriations for fiscal year 2026–2027 that total $17,063,601.

The presenter read fund-by-fund figures: General Fund $6,485,532; Road Fund $2,717,901; Jail Fund $2,458,776; LGEA fund $19,900; ASAP fund $125,000; Grants Fund $405,740; Emergency Shelter $13,500; Opioid Fund $725,340; Tourism Fund $375,000; Dispatch Fund $725,231; Airport Fund $300,818; Airport Project Fund $2,309,831; Airport Board Fund $144,075; clerk storage fees $155,212. The transcript lists an "airport board fuel fund" amount of $101,745,000; that figure appears inconsistent with surrounding line items and may be a transcription error (see clarifying details).

The presenter told the court the ordinance will be published in the local paper after a successful second reading. Before the second reading can occur, the State Local Finance Officer (SLFO) must approve the county's recurring expenses. Magistrate Wilson moved to approve the recurring expenses required for SLFO review; Magistrate Richardson seconded and the motion passed by voice vote (ayes recorded).

Why it matters: the first reading sets the county's planned spending levels across core services — transportation, jail operations, opioid and grant programs, airport projects and other special funds — and begins the statutory process that leads to adoption after required state review and a second reading.

Next steps: The county will seek SLFO approval of recurring expenses and schedule a second reading of Ordinance 2603; the ordinance will be published after that second reading.