County administrator kicks off 2026 budget process; warns of tight growth and highlights sales-tax role

County Administrator Darren Myers presented the 2026 budget calendar and preliminary revenue and reserve summaries at the April 1 meeting and asked commissioners for initial direction as staff begins detailed planning.

Myers said county revenues showed positive investment returns: the county treasurer’s investment income finished the prior year about $870,000 higher than budgeted (the treasurer budgeted $1.1 million but finished around $1.97 million). He said the general fund closed the prior year roughly 3.6% under budget after transfers, and capital and equipment reserve funds remain in standardized multi‑year plans.

Myers reviewed sales-tax receipts (two quarter-cent levies that fund health services and general projects) and said the county collected about $3.3 million in the prior year—an amount Myers said is approximately equivalent to six mills of property tax revenue for the county. He noted that the sales tax helps keep property taxes lower and that the tax sunsets in 2030, meaning the commission must plan for long-term revenue implications.

On valuation growth, Myers used the appraiser’s preliminary 3% countywide valuation increase to estimate allowable growth of roughly $550,000–$600,000 for 2026 if the mill levy stays constant. He noted that the final year of an intergovernmental arrangement with the City of Hays will require about $330,000 in ongoing funding next year and that a prior request from High Plains Mental Health (discussed separately) could add spending pressures; Myers cautioned there is limited capacity for additional spending while holding the mill levy flat.

Myers proposed a budget calendar with public meetings and department presentations from April through August, a department head presentation block tentatively scheduled for July, and final budget hearings in September with statutory filing deadlines in October. He asked commissioners to provide preliminary direction at the April 15 meeting so staff and outside agencies can prepare requested materials for the budget review cycle.

Ending

The commission approved the budget calendar and asked staff to update one hearing date; Myers said staff will circulate the calendar and seek further direction at the April 15 meeting.