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Franklin County Commission holds public hearing on proposed 2025 budget
Summary
County auditor presented a $110.7 million revenue projection and $92.3 million in appropriations for fiscal 2025, including a 4% cost-of-living adjustment and personnel costs projected at 37% of operating expenses; no public testimony was offered and the hearing concluded with an adjournment motion.
The Franklin County Commission held a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025 county budget; County Auditor Angela Gibson told commissioners the plan projects $110,700,000 in total revenues and budgets $92,300,000 in appropriations while including a 4% cost-of-living adjustment and projecting personnel services will account for 37% of countywide operating expenditures.
The hearing, conducted in a commission meeting with newly seated commissioners in attendance, provided an overview of budget priorities and challenges ahead of any formal adoption process. Gibson told the commission the proposed budget reflects an emphasis on maintaining financial stability for major operating funds and supporting departmental goals. No members of the public offered testimony during the hearing.
"The priorities for the 2025 budget include maintaining financial stability with the county's major operating funds, implementing a 4% cost of living adjustment, and supporting the goals and objectives of office holders and departments," Angela Gibson, Franklin County auditor, said while presenting the plan. She described several cost pressures that shaped the proposal, including rising health and property-liability insurance costs, fuel and environmental response expenses and legislative mandates affecting federal expenditures.
Gibson said sales tax for 2025 is projected at $32,700,000, a conservative 2% increase on year-end 2024 estimates, and noted fund balances from the prior year are included in the revenue total. "The 2025 budget total projected revenues are $110,700,000 and those are available for total appropriations," she said. The auditor also noted appropriations for 2025 total $92,300,000, which she said is $1,200,000 less than 2024.
Commissioners thanked the auditor's office and department leaders for a conservative budgeting approach. The presentation also recognized internal staff efforts; Gibson specifically thanked a staff member named Sharon and referenced earlier work by a prior commissioner, Tim, in preparing the budget. The auditor invited questions and said she was prepared to answer follow-ups from the commission.
After the presentation the commission chair asked whether anyone wished to testify in favor of or opposed to the proposed budget; no testimony was offered. The meeting concluded with a procedural vote: Commissioner Cox made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded on the floor; the commissioners voted in the affirmative and the public hearing was concluded.
The record does not show formal adoption or rejection of the proposed budget at this hearing; the session was a public presentation and opportunity for comment, after which regular process for adoption may continue according to county procedure.
