Treasurer cites rising costs for tax statements and stronger-than-expected investment revenue

Treasurer Brad (last name not specified in transcript) told the council his office budget includes a large increase in printing and postage to cover required mailings such as tax statements and judgment notices.

Brad said the county paid roughly $18,000 for printing in 2025 but has budgeted about $59,000 for 2026 because of changes in how those costs are allocated and a decision to contract out more tax-statement printing. The treasurer said the office is evaluating vendors and expected potential savings by moving to a different printer and using bulk-mail presort services. She told the council that switching vendors could save the county several thousand dollars if packaging and mailing practices reduce per-piece postage costs.

On the revenue side, the treasurer told the council the county has seen better-than-projected investment income: year-to-date investment returns were roughly $1.75 million through July, and the treasurer said she expects total investment revenue for 2025 nearer $3 million versus a $2 million projection used in earlier planning documents. Council members asked whether the higher investment return should be counted in the 2026 budget; staff said the figures are encouraging but committee members cautioned that market rates can change and recommended conservatism in forecasting.

Councilors also asked about legal/attorney fees tied to the tax sale and other professional-service costs; the treasurer said most of those bills hit in the second half of the year and she expects professional services to be drawn down as those bills arrive.

No formal action was taken.