Hancock County finalists set 2027 budget after finance review; fund balances largely healthy

The Hancock County commissioners opened a special session to complete the 2027 budget, reviewing fund balances across general, public safety, health, TIF and bond accounts. The chair opened the meeting noting most funds “look good,” while flagging the 1232 E911 fund as nearly drained and reminding the board that proceeds for a new building will come from fund 12.33.

Greg, the county’s finance presenter, told commissioners the county general fund is approximately $1,093,000 above the 2026 target of $1,000,000 and that the county’s rainy-day fund sits at a level staff considers adequate for now. He said the county’s sustainability model assumes a 6% growth quotient but expects realized growth nearer to 4% once municipal changes are factored in. “We want to make sure the new building fund is set up so revenues and expenses flow correctly,” Greg said, urging commissioners to finalize form filings so state upload and bond processes can proceed.

As part of finishing the budget, commissioners approved a set of targeted amendments on vehicles, staffing and interlocal contracts at the meeting. The board also directed staff to return with a more detailed pension forecast and investment analysis for the sheriff’s retirement proposals at a subsequent meeting.

What happens next: staff will upload the Form 1 to the state system, move forward with required legal notices, and the board will revisit pension choices and other items during regular meetings next week.