Montgomery County commissioners vote to exceed revenue-neutral rate, adopt 2027 budget at 41.627 mills

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution to exceed the county’s revenue-neutral property-tax rate and approved the 2027 budget with a mill levy set at 41.627.

Chair opened the revenue-neutral hearing and invited public comment before commissioners moved, seconded and called the vote on a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate. The commission recorded adoption of Resolution No. 26-145 and then proceeded to the budget hearing; after a motion to approve the 2027 budget at 41.627 mills the board voted to adopt the budget.

The RNR materials in the packet showed different figures in various notices — the public notice included a "not to exceed" figure of 46 mills and an initial published mill levy of 41.903; the chair clarified the commission's final proposed mill levy is 41.627. Commissioners said the county has cut services and used reserves in recent years and that the proposed levy reflects efforts to preserve core services.

Many residents urged the commission to find alternatives, stressing fixed incomes and rising assessments. "My house and 5 acres is $700 a month now by the little tag I just got in the mail last week," said Russell Portwood during the hearing. Commissioners acknowledged resident concerns but said cuts already had been made and some revenue increases were necessary to maintain services.

The board recorded the motion, second and the roll-call votes with all members voting in favor; the resolution was labeled in the record as Resolution No. 26-145 and the budget adoption was entered into the minutes as approved.