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Okeechobee County pre-budget workshop: commissioners ask staff to model 2.6% and 3% COLA scenarios; health and insurance costs rise
Summary
County finance staff presented a pre-budget overview for FY2025–26, including revenue forecasts, reserves, health‑insurance and property/casualty cost pressures, and capital equipment requests. Commissioners asked staff to prepare budget options for a 2.6% and a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) plus up to a 2% merit pool.
County administrative and budget staff briefed the Board of County Commissioners on fiscal year 2025–26 budget development, highlighting revenue forecasts, reserve balances, insurance cost pressures and departmental capital requests.
Key figures presented: staff reported a total available balance (pre‑audit) of about $43.4 million, of which $34.3 million was unrestricted and $9.1 million restricted/committed. Health insurance for fully insured staff, the board and constitutional officers is projected at roughly $2.4 million for FY26; staff clinic costs were estimated at about $312,772. Property and casualty insurance was projected to rise (staff used a 15% projection for property increases and a 30% projection for casualty/liability) because of increased county exposures (new assets including jail expansion, training tower and splash pad).
COLA and merit guidance: The board discussed possible pay adjustments. Staff recommended using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) estimate of 2.6% for COLA. Commissioners requested two budget scenarios: (1) a baseline with a 2.6% across‑the‑board COLA plus an up‑to‑2% merit pool for eligible nonunion employees and (2) an alternate scenario with a 3.0% across‑the‑board COLA plus up to 2% merit. Fire‑rescue step increases (the existing union structure) were discussed separately; the fire plan was noted as 3% step increases in the presentation. Commissioners asked staff to provide the fiscal impact of both COLA options so the board can evaluate during July workshops.
Revenue outlook and uncertainty: Staff described a 7.9% year‑over‑year increase in the county’s taxable value as of January 1, 2024 projections and noted pending state legislative activity (multiple bills under consideration) that could change sales‑tax distributions or other revenue sources before the county finalizes budgets; the extended state session could conclude before the county’s July workshops. Staff emphasized the need to plan for multiple scenarios given legislative uncertainty.
Capital priorities and requests: Departments submitted capital and equipment requests including facility projects (jail phase 2, HVAC replacements), parks improvements and equipment replacements (mowers, vehicles, mini‑excavator, CAT compact track loader), airport ground power and a tug, and multiple fire‑EMS equipment requests (Stryker stretchers, Lucas devices, a new ambulance quoted at $500,000). Staff noted some capital costs are grant‑funded and some are funded through current solid‑waste revenues rather than the general fund.
Next steps: Staff will model the 2.6% and 3% COLA scenarios and provide budget worksheets and line‑item justifications for the board at the July workshops (scheduled July 15–17, with tentative millage to be set July 24 and public hearings in September). Commissioners and constitutional officers were asked to finalize departmental submissions in line with the board’s guidance.
