Committee reviews FY2026 department budgets after large property-tax distributions

The Administration and Legal Affairs Committee reviewed proposed FY2026 department budgets and heard detailed revenue and project updates at its meeting on Aug. 13.

Treasurer (unnamed), Treasurer, told the committee the county benefited from the “first private tax distribution, which was the largest of the year.” He said county “client funds [are] up over $4,600,000 compared to June,” and reported the county’s invested balance rose to $13,400,000 from $8,800,000 the prior month. He added interest earnings for July were “just shy of $20,000.”

Nut graf: The money flow matters because departments are submitting budgets now that will fund personnel, IT upgrades and election costs; higher distributions and investment income reduce near-term pressure on general-fund financing but do not eliminate planned spending decisions.

Discussion and details - The treasurer said the second property-tax distribution received Monday totaled $5,770,000 across the county; the county’s share was about $693,000. He said the next distribution is scheduled for Sept. 10 and is expected to be larger than the most recent one. - The committee approved $64,985.12 in claims during the meeting. - County Administrator (unnamed) described ongoing work at the county nursing home, interim administrator transitions and a land survey required as part of next steps with outside attorneys. - The IT manager (unnamed) summarized multiple ongoing technology projects including server replacements, a phased phone rollout, internet/phone work for a courthouse elevator project, and coordination on a Central Square 911 project shared with the city. He said one contract (CrowdStrike) was picked up by a grant this year and that his overall budget request will likely be lower than the current year’s ask. - The county clerk and elections staff warned of higher election-related postage and equipment warranty costs. The clerk estimated the permanent vote-by-mail postcard mailing for the 2026 general election at roughly $24,000 and said equipment warranties will bring additional expense.

What remains unresolved - Several department budget figures and percentage-change calculations were noted as needing correction before final approval. Committee members asked staff to update and redistribute corrected budget sheets prior to the next meeting.

Ending - Department heads said they will return in September with corrected line-item percentages and any outstanding budget attachments. The committee did not adopt a consolidated countywide budget at this meeting; it reviewed departmental proposals and approved routine claims.