Department head: Provisional 2027 budget shows small net increase; cash-applied near eight-year low

Brian, identified in the meeting as a department head, reviewed the provisional 2027 figures and flagged areas of notable change. "As you know, the provisional budget as approved last week was 14,257,000 for the general fund and 5,862,000 for the road and bridge fund," Brian said, reporting a combined total of $20,119,000 — about $94,000 higher than 2026 (a net increase under 0.5%).

He told commissioners that cash applied for the coming year is $2,300,000, "the lowest amount of cash applied in a Yankton County budget in the last eight years and $1,100,000 less than last year," and cautioned that several department budgets had single-year increases above 5%. Commissioners responded by identifying line items for small trims and by asking staff for clearer line-item justifications. The board discussed holding some increases to a 3.4% rate that would mirror expected tax growth.

Context: Brian noted some departments (government buildings, judicial system, road and bridge, ambulance) had higher provisional increases and that department heads had included an estimated 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment and elevated health insurance estimates. Commissioners asked staff to provide revised figures reflecting the agreed trims.