Bradford County adopts tentative 10-mill levy and $89.54 million tentative budget; final hearing set for Sept. 23

BRADFORD COUNTY — The Bradford County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a tentative 10-mill ad valorem tax rate and a tentative operating budget of $89,541,034 for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2025, the board announced during a public hearing on its tentative millage rate and budget.

Financial Director Dana told the board that a 10-mill levy is greater than the rolled-back rate of 9.466 by 5.6412% and is expected to generate approximately $15,516,590 in ad valorem tax revenue — $1,471,255 more than the prior fiscal year. Dana read the formal resolution titles into the record and presented the budget total, which includes interfund transfers and bond reserves.

The hearing drew multiple public commenters who raised concerns about increases in individual property tax bills, notice and advertising of the hearing, and a separate fire/EMS assessment. Julia Haston told the board, “My taxes is going up $700 from last year. I would like to know why nothing's changed.” Resident Sam Henderson asked whether the assessment and salary costs could be reduced and whether alternatives to the assessment existed; county staff said the salary budget is subject to a union contract renegotiation in 2026 and that a consultant reviewed department needs.

A county attorney explained the statutory purpose for the tentative millage and said the increase is intended to “continue to provide for the provision of safety services, for health, safety, [and] well-being,” and that the county's cost of providing those services has increased alongside property values. County staff and the clerk said notices had been placed on the trim notice mailed by the property appraiser's office and that the final hearing will be advertised in the county newspaper.

The board took two formal actions during the hearing: adoption of a resolution levying the tentative 10-mill rate for fiscal year 2025–26 and adoption of a resolution adopting the tentative budget for fiscal year 2025–26. Both measures passed by a 4–0 voice vote.

Officials said this hearing sets only the tentative millage and budget; the board will hold a final public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room to adopt the final millage rate and final budget.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the resolution adopting the tentative levy of 10 mills (motion by Commissioner Daughtry; second by Commissioner Spooner) and approved the resolution adopting the tentative budget of $89,541,034 (motion by Commissioner Andrews; second by Commissioner Spooner). Both passed 4–0.

Public comments at the hearing emphasized concerns about individual tax bill increases, notices for hearings, and the separate fire/EMS assessment process. County staff said hardship provisions exist for residents under the poverty level and that individuals who believe they did not receive trim notices should contact the property appraiser.

The board did not take a final vote on any assessment during this hearing; staff clarified the tentative budget process and the statutory requirement for a public hearing before final adoption.