County finance staff and commissioners discussed a projected budget shortfall that staff estimated would range from roughly $1.2 million to $1.8 million depending on assumptions, and reviewed reserves, contingency and options for financing large capital needs.

County staff said that if the millage rate were held at the prior year’s level the county would still face a roughly $1.8 million shortfall in current projections; staff and commissioners explored how much of that gap is explained by salary increases, contract and medical costs, and one‑time items. Finance staff reported that some previously available one‑time funds (ARPA and other allocations) have expired or been reallocated and noted timing mismatches between state and county fiscal cycles complicate revenue projections.

Commissioners and staff reviewed reserves and contingency practices. Finance staff said the county’s invested reserves were “right at a million” in aggregate but that portions of those funds are already earmarked for projects; staff discussed whether to maintain the standard target reserve (commonly expressed as months of operating expenses) or to use some reserves for capital needs. The board also discussed a near‑term contingency line (finance staff earlier increased the contingency item toward $100,000 during draft work and said she could adjust it down if the board chooses).

At the meeting several commissioners urged a strategic approach: instead of piecemeal borrowing for urgent repairs, consider an inclusive capital program — potentially a bond package of multiple projects (courthouse annex, jail, 9‑1‑1 center, EMS, road projects) spread over multi‑decades — that would allow coordinated planning and procurement, reduce duplication and capture efficiencies. A commissioner said a long‑term bond approach could be more fiscally responsible than repeated emergency fixes; staff and commissioners agreed more detailed costing and project lists are needed before any bond referendum.

No formal funding decisions were made; staff will compile a clearer inventory of restricted and unrestricted reserves, outstanding commitments, anticipated carryovers and slot fund availability to inform decisions on millage, contingency and capital financing.