Lee County finance committee previews preliminary budget, flags $6.3 million capital plan and 3.74% levy increase

At a Lee County Board meeting, the county finance committee reported a preliminary budget showing a modest positive balance and outlined large capital needs and a tentative levy increase. Jim Scheelein, a member of the finance committee, reported the committee met that morning to review monthly and quarterly results and a preliminary budget that will be presented again in October. The committee said the general fund is roughly $3,600–$3,800 in the black in the current preliminary figures, but noted the number is subject to change as the county transfers funds out of solid waste, public safety and capital — roughly $200,000 in transfers were discussed. Scheelein said capital spending currently shows about $6,300,000 in proposed expenditures; committee members and staff said the number reflects projects that “eventually” will need to be done, but the schedule and scope are still being worked out. The committee also reviewed a preliminary levy that would represent about a 3.74% year-over-year increase; the county noted that, at that level, it would not trigger a truth-in-taxation hearing in December. Scheelein and staff said the capital plan will be prioritized and refined before final adoption and that timing differences may explain some of the near-term budget pressure. Discussion points included transfers out of specific funds, the large nominal capital figure and the need to structure capital work across fiscal years. Reid and Jeremy (identified in the meeting as staff) participated in the capital discussion and the committee said more detail will be available when the preliminary budget returns to the finance committee in October. The county did not adopt a final budget at the meeting; the committee-level review was discussion only and the next formal steps are further committee review and eventual presentation for board adoption.