Controller previews 2027 budget: property tax up, health-care and retirement costs push increases

Cecilia, the county controller, presented a 2027 draft budget overview focused on the general fund. She said projected property-tax revenue would increase by about $1.4 million, combining a 3% inflation assumption and a 1.5% growth projection, and proposed budgeting $33.6 million in property-tax revenue for 2027.

Cecilia detailed major cost drivers including a projected $596,000 increase in wages (about 3.2%); an expected 15

to 25% increase in health-care costs for active employees (roughly $1.7 million countywide) and a significant increase in the annual required retirement contribution (about $1.4 million, with a $627,000 general-fund portion). She identified specific FTE requests for circuit court and prosecuting offices (with some positions proposed to be grant-funded) and capital requests (sheriff vehicle replacements and IT infrastructure).

Commissioners pressed for clarity on whether some requests were assumptions in the draft or approvals already made; the controller reiterated this is a draft and that staffing requests will be routed through committees for review prior to final adoption. The board was reminded of the legal/budget calendar and the county's goal to adopt a budget in line with statutory timelines.