Scott County fiscal court approves first reading of $71.7 million budget

The Scott County Fiscal Court on May 20 completed the first reading of Ordinance 25-01, the county's proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, with a total appropriation across all funds of $71,709,508.

Judge Kevin read a summary of appropriations showing the general fund at $51,204,437, a road fund of $6,427,780 and a jail fund of $6,184,318, among other funds. "So the grand total, all funds, is 71,709,508," the judge said during the reading.

The court's action sends the draft to the Department for Local Government (DLG) for review; Michelle and Stacy confirmed the court will file the document with DLG and, after DLG review, hold a second reading and required advertisement before final adoption. "We'll send it in the morning," a staff member said regarding submission to the agency.

Court members described priorities reflected in the budget: continuing support for public safety and first responders, completion of capital projects such as the new sheriff's office and a new EMS station, funds for parks and rec planning, and a potential allocation for the purchase-of-development-rights program. The judge said the budget includes money for two pumpers already on order and a ladder truck expected in September.

Magistrate Kelly Corman moved to approve the first reading and Ryan Pratt seconded; the motion passed when the court voted "aye." The first reading does not adopt the budget; the second reading, advertisement and final adoption must follow DLG review.

Background: The court held a budget work session before the business meeting and discussed staffing additions included in the draft, including contract school resource officers (SROs) and planning and zoning positions. The court emphasized the document is a draft to be reviewed and advertised ahead of final adoption.

The court plans a second reading and required public notice after DLG review; no date for a final adoption was announced at the May 20 meeting.