Finance Director Jackie Bennett presented the Board of Commissioners with the county’s first‑quarter 2025 budget report and discussed format improvements intended to increase transparency. Commissioners accepted the report and approved an annual renewal for the county’s current finance software; staff said the renewal should be the last while the county completes a planned software transition.

Bennett noted that some funds appear over budget because previously the county had budgeted at 75 percent and the accounting reconciliation reflected actual year‑to‑date positions. She said MMRMA liability insurance already showed nearly 75 percent of expenses paid as of March 31 because the insurer’s payments are front‑loaded.

Commissioners asked how budget amendments are reflected in the next year’s budget. Bennett said departments received budget files reflecting balances as of March 31; she agreed to provide a list of budget amendments made from March 31 to August to help the board and departments track post‑year adjustments.

On the finance software renewal, Bennett said the county is switching systems and the current software will be used only during transition. Commissioners moved, supported and approved the annual renewal by voice vote.

Why it matters: Quarterly reporting and transparent budget presentation inform commissioners’ oversight of county spending. The software transition affects how financial records are maintained and reported.

Ending: Bennett will provide the requested list of post‑March 31 budget amendments and the finance software renewal will proceed as a final year of the legacy system.