Franklin County sets July 28 public hearing and OKs interim operating transfers ahead of FY26 budget amendment

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors set a public hearing for July 28 at 9:15 a.m. in the SupervisorMeeting Room to consider fiscal year 2026 budget amendments and approved interim operating transfers at the meeting.

Board members said staff prepared a list of adjustments to accommodate large inpatient hospital bills, the reorganization of CICS accounts into three departments, and short-term support for home care and veterans programs. "We'll probably have to do an amendment to that line item later as well," a county official said about expected hospital charges for FY26, noting final totals depend on payroll and transition calculations.

The board approved operating transfers by roll call vote with Lukensmeyer, McVicker and Van Ness voting aye. Specific clarifications given during the meeting included a $10,000 transfer to home care to cover the next two months and a $64,049 balance of prior unused transfers recommended for capital projects. Staff said CICS (Collaborative Individual and Community Support) now operates under one fund with three departments representing three districts and that payroll finalization will determine subsequent line-item amendments.

Presenters also discussed short-term staffing costs: CICS has chosen to keep an employee named John on for roughly one additional month, and Jonah's wages and benefits are largely covered by CICS. Public health was described as having a healthy fund balance and no immediate need for transfers. The board moved and seconded the motion to set the public hearing; the motion passed on an aye vote.

Board members and staff repeatedly cautioned that some figures are estimates and that additional amendments are likely once final payroll and vendor charges are known.