Barry County schedules Oct. 28 public hearing on 2026 budget; committee recommends Resolution 25-22 adoption

On Sept. 16, 2025, the Barry County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole voted to schedule a public hearing on the proposed 2026 Barry County budget for Oct. 28, 2025 at 9 a.m. and recommended that the Board adopt Resolution 25-22 (the 2026 Barry County Budget General Appropriations Act and millage) after holding the hearing.

"We'll schedule the public hearing on Oct. 28 at 9 a.m.," the committee chair said, asking for a motion to set the hearing and to recommend adoption of Resolution 25-22 following the hearing. Commissioner Bassett moved and Commissioner Hatfield supported the motion; the committee chair called for the ayes and the motion carried.

During public comment, Gary White raised concerns about contingency levels, fund balances and what he characterized as reduced capacity in the health department. White said it was difficult to find fund-balance information in the proposed budget and asserted that the budget's contingency amount and the county's general fund balance had changed over recent years. "This budget includes contingency of $309,804, which is just a little over 1%," White said, and he urged commissioners to know and report fund balances and contingency levels.

County staff told commissioners they had not finalized any agreements with bargaining units and that future contract negotiations could prompt budget amendments. Staff said the 2026 budget as proposed is based on current estimates and that amendments will be used if negotiations or other developments require changes.

The committee's action was a recommendation; final adoption of the 2026 budget and millage will require the scheduled public hearing and a subsequent Board vote.