New CFO outlines county finances: revenues on track, expenditures steady; FY27 planning underway

Ryan Wilkinson, Montgomery County’s newly appointed chief financial officer, gave his first budget briefing to the commissioners on June 25, focusing on general-fund performance through April 30 and the FY27 planning timeline.

Wilkinson said the county had collected roughly 24% of expected general-fund revenue to date — a typical figure for this point in the fiscal year, with the bulk of real-estate tax collections arriving in May and June. He said federal and state grant receipts were consistent with expectations but noted they remain an area to monitor.

On expenditures, Wilkinson said the county had expended about 32% of its budget through April and that personnel spending was below budgeted levels owing to vacancy savings; he pointed out a $4 million planned vacancy-savings allocation. He said investment income was trending ahead of budget because short-term interest rates remain elevated. Gaming revenue was budgeted higher this year (noted as $8.5 million) and was on track.

Wilkinson reviewed capital projects and highlighted two items: a rebate that should bring election-equipment spending back under budget, and the Bergies Bridge project, which showed timing-driven budget postings but is expected to come in under budget overall. He outlined the FY27 process: internal budget reviews through early August, commissioner information sessions Aug–Oct, formal budget distributions planned for the Nov. 12 board meeting, and subsequent public hearings.

Commissioners thanked Wilkinson for the update and emphasized the board’s commitment to cost containment while maintaining services to residents; they asked clarifying questions about the revenue slide and the timing of certain expenditures. Wilkinson said staff would continue monitoring revenues, grants and energy/fuel costs and return with updates.