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Reno County officials warn preliminary budget will show higher mill levy; maximum must be set next week
Summary
County administrator presented a preliminary budget preview showing the county’s mill levy just over 38 mills — roughly a two‑mill increase — and warned commissioners they must set a maximum next week for statutory notices while staff continues identifying cuts to get closer to a revenue‑neutral rate.
Reno County Administrator Randy briefed commissioners on the county’s budget timetable and a preliminary calculation that shows the mill levy is likely "just over 38 mils," or roughly a two‑mill increase from the current rate.
Randy told the commission that state timelines require the county to publish a maximum budget and related notices by mid‑July and that staff will present a preliminary maximum at next week’s meeting. "The mill levy right now is looking is higher than I want it to be, and I'm sure what you want it to be, but it's looking like it's just over 38 mils," he said.
Why this matters: Statutory deadlines require publication of a maximum budget so residents receive notice of potential tax impacts. Commissioners can reduce the proposed maximum before the public hearing, but staff said it will take additional work to reconcile cuts with state budget forms.
Randy said staff already identified more than $3 million in adjustments from the original requests and that an additional roughly $3 million in cuts would be required to reach a revenue‑neutral outcome; he cautioned that changing the maximum next week will require time to update state forms and calculations. He also described the timetable for the county clerk to distribute notices and for a public hearing, expected in September, where the commission may adopt a final budget.
Ending: Commissioners were advised to review budget materials before the next meeting; staff will return with the proposed maximum budget and spreadsheets showing options for cuts and alternatives.
