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Harvey County begins 2026 budget season with departments submitting $1.07M in supplemental requests; staff urges cautious revenue estimates
Summary
County administration outlined the 2026 budget calendar, asked departments to hold operating costs flat and flagged $1.07 million in supplemental requests driven largely by personnel increases in the sheriff’s office and communications.
Harvey County staff opened the May 27 meeting’s budget hearings with a roadmap for the 2026 budget cycle and a request for commissioners to prioritize statutory duties, public safety and fiscal prudence.
County administrator staff presented a timeline: departments submitted capital improvement and operating requests in February; hearings will run through May; a recommended budget will be presented in late June with formal adoption scheduled in August (dates vary depending on whether the county exceeds the revenue neutral rate). Departments were asked to hold contractual and commodities flat relative to the 2024 adopted budget, with the exception of property/liability insurance where a 16.5% increase was assumed for planning purposes.
County finance staff said revenue estimates were intentionally conservative: sales tax collections and investment income were projected to be down slightly from 2024 actuals, while property tax revenue is expected to increase because assessed valuations rose. Early revenue snapshots showed a modest change in total general‑fund receipts compared with prior years, but staff said final property‑tax numbers would not be available until mid‑June and cautioned commissioners that numbers would change.
Administration reported 30 supplemental requests across four funds (general fund, road and bridge, solid waste and 9‑1‑1), totaling roughly $1.07 million in requested increases. The largest share — about $889,000 — comprised requests for six full‑time positions (four for the sheriff’s office and two for communications) and associated fringe costs in the general fund.
Staff told commissioners that departments had submitted capital and equipment lists in full so the commission could see overall needs before prioritizing. Road and Bridge capital requests notably exceeded the prior year by roughly $2.1 million, while general fund equipment requests increased only modestly.
Commissioners asked about public engagement and whether an evening meeting should be scheduled to present a summary for public comment prior to adoption; staff said they would work with the board to pick a date. Several commissioners emphasized keeping the mill levy “as flat as possible” while recognizing likely future bonding needs for courthouse and jail projects. The board directed staff to return with updated numbers after the county clerk provides the county’s certified valuations in mid‑June.
The county’s budget work schedule includes a supplemental review work session in early June and a recommended budget presentation to the commission on June 24, with further deliberations and formal adoption slated for August under the statutory timelines.
Commissioners and staff said priorities for the coming year include public safety staffing and readiness, maintenance of roads and bridges, and measured capital investments with attention to the county’s long‑term capital plan.
