Commissioners set follow-up budget meeting to weigh carryover reliance, HRA cards and $1,650 employee supplement

County finance staff presented a balanced budget at the board’s second budget hearing but said it relies on approximately $1.5 million in carryover funds. Staff identified two large, discretionary items that commissioners could reduce or eliminate to lower dependence on carryover: the health reimbursement account (HRA) card program (staff estimated just over $400,000 annually) and an annual $1,650 per‑employee supplement (staff estimated roughly $415,000 in savings if reduced). The choice matters because the county must set a tentative millage rate in August under TRIM notice deadlines; reducing recurring expenditures would shrink reliance on one‑time carryover dollars and change options for personnel compensation or service levels. A commissioner said he was not interested in raising the ad valorem millage rate this year and that the board should keep the current millage rate where it is. County staff outlined the August 1 deadline to set a tentative millage and the TRIM schedule and recommended a short follow‑up meeting to decide whether to retain or reduce the HRA and $1,650 items. Commissioners voted to meet next Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. to make decisions on those two items and to finalize preparation to set the tentative millage on Aug. 1. Staff said they will prepare the precise dollar impacts and present tradeoffs so commissioners can decide whether to reduce the use of carryover funds in the final budget.