Commissioners approve larger equipment purchases and review FY25 finances; county outlines tax hearing schedule

Stevens County commissioners approved five invoices and quotes over $10,000 on July 22, authorized purchases and received a fourth-quarter (pre-audit) financial report for fiscal year 2025. Approved quotes included: $36,000 for a year of support for Flock Safety cameras (Sheriff's Office), a $411,000 quoted price for a new ambulance (Osage) to secure current pricing, $47,854 for a tractor/loader and cutter for the county landfill (James Short), $13,839.77 for gasoline (Acre Oil Company) and $230,000 for two boom mowers from Reynolds Warren Equipment Co. The board approved the items in a bundled vote. (Finance staff presentation / board action) Finance director James Elrod presented pre-audit FY25 figures and said total general-fund revenue was about $23.2 million, roughly 5% above projection. Elrod said sales tax comprised roughly $3.4 million of that total and that some one-time and growth-driven revenues contributed to the surplus. He noted the numbers are "pre-audit" and will be finalized in the upcoming audit. (James Elrod, finance report) Elrod also reported several department-level budget variances to be addressed in end-of-year adjustments: the general fund was approximately $500,000 over budget before accruals; data processing and building inspection had notable overages tied to storm repairs, contracts, staffing and growth-driven inspection costs. In other fiscal business, the county reported ARPA funds are fully allocated and that the SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) fund will show final accruals next month. The 911 fund is largely supported by transfers from the general fund and the county noted pending state legislation could change the fee structure that supports 911 revenue. Commissioners also announced the millage-rate schedule: three advertised public hearings (two on July 28 — 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. — and one on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.) before a formal vote on the millage. Staff explained that because the county intends to keep the maintenance and operations (M&O) rate the same, state law requires advertising a tax increase; however, commissioners said reductions in special-district levies are expected to lower the net overall millage rate this year. A member of the public, Susan Cohen, told the board her upcoming tax notice will be a hardship. County staff explained the proper process for valuation challenges and reiterated the schedule for millage hearings, and commissioners offered to speak with her after the meeting about options and next steps. (Susan Cohen, public comment) Why this matters: The equipment purchases affect county operations (EMS readiness, roads and landfill maintenance) and the FY25 financial results set the baseline for the FY26 budget and tax decisions. The millage hearings are the public’s formal opportunity to comment before the commissioners set the tax rate. What happens next: Approved quotes proceed to procurement; the finance office will complete the audit and present final numbers; the board will hold the scheduled millage hearings and vote on the FY26 millage rate after the hearing series.