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County finance staff present FY25 midyear review and FY26 budget preview; no tax rate changes proposed beyond one fire district
Summary
Finance staff reported revenues above budget at midyear and outlined the draft FY26 budget, which preserves services and adds staffing largely for public safety and public well‑being; only the Northern Fire District shows a proposed millage increase tied to contracted fire services.
County finance staff presented a midyear review of the FY25 budget and a preview of the proposed FY26 budget during the May 8 meeting, reporting revenues above budget year‑to‑date and outlining proposed spending and staffing priorities for the coming fiscal year.
Finance staff noted a net revenue position better than budgeted, driven in part by interest income, but also said one‑time savings are smaller than recent years and certain public‑safety and medical examiner areas are filling positions faster than anticipated. The FY26 preview proposed a general fund increase of about $24 million driven by new positions and commitments, with most new staffing tied to public well‑being and public safety strategic priorities. The only tax increase proposed within council purview was for the Northern Fire District to allow the contracted CMB Fire Department to levy its maximum allowable millage; other millages remain unchanged in the draft.
Staff emphasized the budget remains a work in progress. Council members were invited to review binders and schedule individual budget meetings; staff said formal first and second readings are planned in May with a public hearing and third readings to follow in June. No votes on the FY26 budget were taken at the meeting; staff described the presentation as the regular midyear and budget preview required under county financial policies.
Why it matters: The FY26 preview maintains existing services while adding staff in areas council prioritized; small changes in interest income and personnel lapping affect midyear projections. Council members asked follow‑up questions about one‑time revenue sources and the treatment of the Airbnb settlement in the budget projections.
Next steps: Staff will continue outreach with council members and proceed with the ordinance reading schedule in May and June. Individual council budget briefings will be scheduled before final votes.
