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Russell County Board adopts FY2025–26 budget and tax rates
Summary
The Russell County Board of Supervisors adopted the countywide fiscal year 2025–26 budget and set tax rates after a presentation by the county administrator and a roll-call vote.
The Russell County Board of Supervisors adopted the countywide fiscal year 2025–26 budget and set the county tax rates following a presentation by County Administrator Lonzo Lester and a roll-call vote at the June reconvened meeting.
Lonzo Lester, Russell County administrator, told the board the proposed fiscal year runs July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and described it as a “living, breathing document that is modifiable throughout the year,” noting allocations across education, public safety, judicial administration and other county services. He said the board had worked through the budget in earlier sessions and described the general fund and special funds as part of the comprehensive countywide plan.
The board set the real-estate and mobile-home tax rate at 0.579; personal property and machine-and-tool remained at 1.95; and merchants’ capital at 0.65, according to figures presented by the administrator. Tyler, county attorney, reminded the board that the final vote on the budget resolution required a roll-call vote recording each member’s name as the resolution states.
A motion to adopt the budget resolution was moved and seconded and carried on a roll-call vote with these results: Supervisor Andrew Hensley — No; Supervisor Lou Wallace — Yes; Supervisor Tara Dye — No; Supervisor Steve Breeding — Yes; Supervisor Rebecca Dye — Yes; Supervisor Nate Keiser — No; Chairman (unnamed) — Yes. The county administrator and staff said auditors will reconcile year-end adjustments after June 30 and that some revenue streams may arrive after the fiscal year close, creating timing-related cash-flow adjustments.
During discussion, Lester cautioned that some revenue lines (mineral tax, public service taxes) were behind projections and that the county might need to shift cash between revenue streams to meet obligations as collections arrive. He urged the board to monitor cash flow during the first six months and said the board retains authority to amend appropriations during the fiscal year.
The board adopted the formal resolution approving allocations and appropriations and directed staff to finalize required documentation for the auditors and for public records.
