County staff flag roughly $3 million shortfall in preliminary 2026 budget forecast

County finance staff told commissioners that a new revenue forecast shows about $21.5 million in non-tax revenue sources and an estimated $9 million in tax assessments, yielding a combined total in the low $30 millions for the 2026 budget — roughly $3 million less than current budget figures that need reconciliation.

Jessica and county finance staff said benefits and a handful of revenue entries still needed confirmation. Commissioners directed staff (Colleen, Kimberly) to recheck revenue entries, benefits calculations and any one-time or assumed receipts. Staff noted some uncertainty around PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) allocations and the treatment of an urban renewal district with a valuation cited at about $74 million that could affect taxable base calculations.

Commissioners discussed timing: staff were asked to produce updated benefit figures, preliminary L-2 tax calculations and to identify where reductions or errors might account for the $3 million variance. Staff said some revenue streams — such as shared fees, juvenile fees and other program-specific revenues — had not yet been fully entered.

Next steps: staff will prepare updated revenue and benefit figures as soon as possible, produce a preliminary L-2 and return to the board with options for cuts or adjustments to achieve a balanced budget.