Budget committee approves FY27 budget package for full court with $389,497 proposed deficit

The budget committee reviewed and approved the FY27 tax levy resolution keeping the county’s tax rate unchanged at a total of 141 pennies (allocation among funds as presented). Director Markham explained the three-part budget process — tax levy resolution, appropriations resolution and nonprofit resolution — and provided the line-item details for the appropriations resolution presented to the committee.

Committee members discussed expected expenditures of $21,632,639 and a projected deficit of $389,497. Several commissioners questioned added items that increased the deficit — including a $12,000 host test and a roughly $19,000 custodial position for a new health department — and urged staff to search for small offsets ("one penny" in the tax rate calculations) rather than cutting necessary services. Commissioners also noted prior-year fund balances and the county’s practice of conservative budgeting.

The committee considered but did not remove an item funding a recurring surveillance-camera contract (discussed separately); members discussed offsets such as savings from vehicle purchases. After debate, the committee voted to approve the budget as submitted and forward it to full court for adoption; the motion carried with at least one recorded 'nay.' No final appropriation changes were approved at the committee meeting; additional adjustments or amendments could follow when full court and subsequent meetings consider the package.