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Columbia County presents FY2026 proposed budget; general fund up just over 3%
Summary
County staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget during a public hearing, highlighting a modest General Fund increase, a planned COLA, a one‑year ambulance contract budgeted at about $600,000, and an accounting change that moves $300,000 for the library within the General Fund.
Columbia County staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a public hearing May 6, saying the General Fund budget shows a little over 3% growth from the prior year and that the county is preparing for a possible millage rollback.
The presentation, made by Mr. Johnson, emphasized that budgets for all funds are balanced and that the board previously directed staff to “try to continue to keep taxes as low as possible.” Johnson said the county budgeted a cost‑of‑living adjustment and on‑call pay for corrections staff, included a retirement supplement for superior court judges, and moved some capital items out of the General Fund into other capital funds.
Staff said deferred reclassifications and a small number of promotions were added after earlier guidance to hold reclassifications this year. A…
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