County finance staff presented a year‑end general fund forecast showing a small increase in the projected 2025 deficit alongside stronger‑than‑expected sales tax revenue.

The forecast showed a sales tax surplus through the first six months and staff said sales tax receipts were up roughly 12% year over year in that period. Finance staff used a conservative assumption of 6% growth for the remainder of the year in the forecast; staff said if the higher pace continued the county could realize an additional approximately $875,000 over the current projection.

Finance noted other changes: an increase in projected human services surplus from $800,000 to $1.1 million, modest changes in public works and operating revenue projections, and a rise in the health insurance deficit due to a poor month of claims. Staff said the county's health insurance reserve would be included when rating agencies calculate reserve percentages.

When asked what figure the 2026 budget would use for sales tax base, staff said the budget assumes a 4% increase applied to the updated base number. Multiple supervisors said they prefer conservative budgeting and acknowledged that stronger receipts would help the county's year‑end position.

Finance staff said the overall forecast remained near breakeven with several months left in the fiscal year and that they would continue to monitor revenues and claims.