Columbia County holds FY2026 budget hearing; general fund rises just over 3%

Columbia County commissioners held a public hearing May 6 on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, with county staff presenting a balanced set of budgets across funds and a General Fund that is roughly 3% larger than last year.

County staff member Mr. Johnson told the board, "you have before you the updated materials from the proposed budget. We'll focus primarily on the General Fund, although I will say we're presenting balanced budgets for all funds available." He said the proposed General Fund increase came after asking departments to hold spending at or below last year.

The proposal was framed around continuing a tax rollback if permitted later in the process. "We did budget this year with a tax rollback in mind," Mr. Johnson said, noting that the board will set the millage rate at a separate meeting.

Why it matters: the budget funds day-to-day county operations and several specific items discussed at the hearing, and the county must advertise the proposed budget and adopt a final budget before the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

Key items and discussion

- Ambulance contract: The budget includes a $600,000 supplement to cover a one-year contract with Gold Cross to continue ambulance service on the county's behalf;…