Commissioners, Lloyd Group and auditors discuss budget timing amid valuation and insurance pressures

A Lloyd Group representative (consultant) briefed the Pratt County Commission and staff on budget planning as the county prepares its 2026 budget. The consultant warned that statewide property valuations have risen in many places and that Pratt could again face a substantial increase to its "R and R" figure this year. The group discussed strategies to keep the mill rate flat while responding to rising costs.

The consultant said one county client reported a 31% increase in property insurance costs compared with the budgeted 12'13% and warned commissioners to expect significant increases for property insurance this year. Commissioners also noted the city's decision to move out of the law enforcement center, which will require the county to pay half of dispatch staff salaries, creating a new budgetary obligation.

Lloyd Group advised the commission to wait for draft audit numbers and the state's budget workbook; the group said the state valuation workbooks should arrive in the next two weeks and that draft audit figures would allow the county to produce preliminary budget scenarios. The county's auditors were scheduled to meet with staff the following day, the consultant said.

Commissioners and consultants discussed short-term options, including running a worst-case model using last year's valuations and applying an agreed percent reduction to estimate impacts. Lloyd Group said it would help the county develop draft budgets and an appeal process for department budget requests; staff named Scott as the consultant who will attend upcoming department head meetings.

No formal budget decisions were made at the meeting; commissioners directed staff and Lloyd Group to continue analyzing draft audits and valuation workbooks and to return with proposed options for the final budget presentation.