Marion County sets proposed maximum millage at 4.29 mills; general fund kept at 3.35

Marion County commissioners set proposed maximum millage rates on June 11, keeping the countywide rate at 4.29 mills by holding the general fund at 3.35 mills, the fine and forfeiture fund at 0.83 mills and the Marion County health unit trust fund at 0.11 mills. The board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed rates and scheduled the first public budget hearing for Sept. 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the commission chambers.

The decision followed a staff presentation by Audrey Fowler, the county budget director, who reviewed recent adjustments and several millage scenarios intended to close recurring deficits while limiting immediate tax impacts. Fowler told commissioners the budget workshops produced $448,484 in additional recurring general-fund revenue and $1,500,000 in nonrecurring adjustments. She said the proposed fiscal year 2026 expenditure budgets total $33,965,180, with recurring revenue of $31,593,627 — a recurring deficit of $2,371,553 under the current budget as presented.

Fowler presented two principal options the board considered: (1) keep the general fund millage at…