Resident asks how amended budget affects local taxes; county officials cite roughly 4.9% levy change

During the public comment period, Nancy Richie White of Deerfield and Fairfield Townships asked, "Exactly what is the tax increase on the citizens of Kona County?" County staff and commissioners answered with approximate figures and clarifications: staff stated the levy change was "approximately 4.9%" and offered example dollar impacts, including an approximate $20 per month figure for a $150,000 home and an example calculation stating $25.44 assuming different assessment and calculation bases (the transcript includes slightly varying arithmetic during the exchange).

Board members said final dollar impacts depend on individual municipality tax rates and assessment bases; Director Taylor and other staff offered to provide clearer, line-by-line figures. The board did not change course on the adopted budget at the meeting.