Osceola County reviews FY25–26 budget printouts, adds $100,000 for jail remodel; several claims approved

OSCEOLA COUNTY — County officials reviewed draft fiscal-year 2025–26 budget printouts and raised concerns about how the mailed property-tax notice tables display levy breakdowns, the board agreed to delay a public hearing until required notices are published, recorded a $100,000 increase to public-safety budget line items for a jail remodel, and approved multiple vendor claims during the meeting.

Officials said the printed tax-notice summary that will be mailed to property owners contains a right-hand table labeled “authority percent of tax” that several attendees found confusing. County staff and a participant named Carrie attempted to explain the table but attendees said the explanation did not clarify how the percentages translate into cents per dollar of assessed valuation. A board member noted the comparison rows on the back of the notice appear inconsistent — for example, the residential comparison lists a $100,000 value in one column versus $110,000 in the other — and said that could add to public confusion when notices arrive in local newspapers and by mail.

The board also clarified that the county cannot hold its public hearing on the proposed levy until the required notices are published. A county staff member said the hearing must wait until April because publication has not yet occurred; until then, levy increases cannot be finalized, and some taxing districts may need to draw on reserves if they cannot alter current rates.

During budget review, a board member said the draft includes a $100,000 increase in public-safety expenditures “toward the jail remodel.” The comment was presented as an allocation in the draft budget rather than as a separately recorded formal vote during the discussion.

Votes at a glance

- Claim 1499 (Bosman/Boswell Water Service), motion to approve: mover Deborah; second Loring. Outcome: approved; record indicates at least one abstention. (See actions array for details.)

- Claim 1447, motion to approve: mover Helmer; second Debord. Outcome: approved; record indicates at least one abstention.

- Remainder of claims, motion to pay: mover Helmer; second Loring. Outcome: approved.

Other budget and project notes

Staff said bond funds are expected the following Wednesday, which will release funds for ongoing projects. One speaker estimated roughly $40,000 might remain on a sheet-metal project (another speaker recalled a prior estimate of $75,000); those figures were discussed as approximations. County staff also reported a contract cancellation affecting daily rates for an unspecified service that will require a budget amendment; the county said it received short notice from the contractor and is preparing an amendment to reflect the change in funding.

Several personnel and meeting-scheduling items were raised in brief: the assessor’s office work was described as nearly complete; one staff member noted a county employee’s health issues and another suggested placing an Emergency Management (EMA) personnel matter on a future agenda for the board to consider whether further action is needed.

The meeting closed after the board approved remaining claims and adjourned.