Summary
The proposed $63.6 million budget holds the tax rate at 70 cents while funding raises, bonuses and new positions. Commissioners debated how much to spend on recurring raises versus one-time bonuses and whether to trim capital spending to build the reserve.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
The proposed budget is $63.6 million, about $3.6 million (5.68%) above last year, with no property tax increase.
County employees get raises and larger bonuses; taxpayers avoid a rate increase.
Fiscally conservative commissioners argue future taxpayers lose if savings are spent on recurring costs.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Board of Commissioners - Jul 6, 2026
Speaker James Mills urged commissioners to restore what he called a $6-12 million clerical omission of health care funds. Chairman Bryant noted a related item would be taken up later on the agenda, which became the health department funding analysis.
Board of Commissioners - Jun 1, 2026
The proposed county budget got its required public hearing; final adoption comes June 15 at 5:30 p.m. One resident asked for itemized sales-tax breakdowns per municipality, fire department and school.
Board of Commissioners - May 18, 2026
The $64.8M budget keeps the tax rate at 70 cents, gives most workers a 5% raise (10% for law enforcement and detention), adds three water-department positions after last winter's water crisis, and funds a pilot to privatize mental-health transports that tie up deputies daily.
Board of Commissioners - May 4, 2026
Commissioners are deciding how much to pay county employees next year — a $1,250 or $1,000 bonus and either 5% or 3.75% raises. Barrett wants to avoid spending about $1 million of savings from fund balance; Redding and others defended the higher bonus for lower-paid workers.
Board of Commissioners - Apr 20, 2026
The proposed $63.6 million budget holds the tax rate at 70 cents while funding raises, bonuses and new positions. Commissioners debated how much to spend on recurring raises versus one-time bonuses and whether to trim capital spending to build the reserve.
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