Pratt County adopts notice of revenue neutral rate, reviews budget adjustments and employee benefit projections

The Pratt County Commission voted 3‑0 on July 14 to adopt a notice of intent indicating the county does not plan to exceed the revenue neutral rate for property tax purposes. The clerk was authorized to sign the notice and staff completed the procedural steps necessary to post the notice.

Staff reviewed several budget items during the discussion. Lauren (staff member) had submitted questions about the budget and provided a numbered packet; staff explained that they adjusted the cash reserve amount to keep ad valorem tax dollars the same as the prior year and that the county extension council allocation was moved back to prior‑year levels. A commissioner asked about employee benefit projections that appeared lower in the 2025–26 estimates than in 2024; staff explained the employer contribution is tied to salary and head count, and that more employees and higher salaries can increase the employer contribution.

Staff noted there is a cash reserve under employee benefits to cover the discrepancy and said they would move approximately $30,000 from one line to another to cover the shortfall without changing rates. The commission approved adopting the notice of revenue neutral rate by voice vote and later signed the notice.

The meeting also included routine approvals of minutes and vouchers (each approved 3‑0). Several executive sessions were held during the meeting for personnel and attorney‑client matters; the commission reported returning to open session with no action taken after each executive session.