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Finance committee sets budget hearing as officials warn of SNAP/Medicaid and heating costs; delinquent tax collections rise
Summary
Greene County's finance committee set a public hearing on the 2026 budget and discussed possible new costs tied to SNAP/Medicaid and heating assistance; the treasurer reported delinquent‑tax collections rose and sales tax receipts are up 5.65% year to date.
The Greene County finance committee voted to set a public hearing on the 2026 county budget while legislators and staff warned that federal and state funding changes — especially for heating assistance and some social programs — could increase county costs.
A county official told legislators the so‑called heat assistance issue alone could require roughly $800,000 to $900,000 in funding if higher levels of support are not provided by the state or federal government. Committee members discussed whether to present a balanced budget now and add contingencies later or to delay aspects of the budget until state decisions are known.
The county treasurer reported delinquent tax collections for August 2025 of $7,778,875.71, compared with $528,076.98 in August 2024; year‑to‑date collections for 2025 were $6,305,901.20 compared with $4,394,156.28 in 2024, an increase of $1,911,744.92. The treasurer reported the amount due to Greene County in delinquent taxes as of August 2025 was $10,242,701.08, up from $9,898,229.77 in August 2024.
The treasurer also reported sales tax receipts year to date of $33,836,466.90, up from $32,027,114.06 for the same period in 2024 — a 5.65% increase.
Committee members noted a scheduled auction of tax‑delinquent properties at 10 a.m. on Oct. 29 and urged staff to continue outreach to property owners before that date. The treasurer said people can still redeem properties in certain circumstances and that legal and title timelines affect exactly when a buyer receives a new bill.
Committee members also discussed contingency options should the state adopt changes effective April 1 after the county adopts its budget; staff noted the county could rely on fund balance or other revenue adjustments if necessary.
The committee approved the motion to set a public hearing on the budget and advanced several routine budget amendments and agreements (see the votes roundup).
