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St. Francois County Commission approves 2025 budget totaling about $54 million
Summary
The St. Francois County Commission voted to approve the county2025 budget after a presentation by County Auditor Amber Montalay; the budget uses planned surplus funds and includes wage and benefit spending of about $17.3 million.
The St. Francois County Commission approved the county2025 budget at a meeting that included a presentation from County Auditor Amber Montalay.
Montalay, the county auditor and budget officer, told commissioners the auditor—s office forecasted 2025 revenues at $37,700,000 and planned to use $16,300,000 in prior-year surpluses, producing a $54,000,000 total available. Predicted 2025 expenses were presented as $47,500,000, including about $17,300,000 for wages and benefits, with almost $10,000,000 expected to be drawn from surplus funds. The office estimated a 2025 surplus of roughly $6,500,000 that includes $3,300,000 in special-revenue funds restricted by state statute.
The auditor framed the proposed budget as conservative and fiscally responsible and said the office would continue to monitor requisitions and spending. "This office will be vigilant in reviewing, investigating, and monitoring all procedures, requisitions, and spending to protect the citizens of St. Francois County," Montalay said.
Commissioners said the budget had been reviewed in advance, posted on the county website, and subject to a public hearing Dec. 17. A motion to adopt the budget passed on a voice vote; commissioners established a two-week period for public comment before finalization and noted the approved budget will be posted online.
The meeting record references Missouri statutes on county budgeting; Montalay identified the county as a first-class county and said the auditor serves as the county budget officer under Missouri statute chapter 50. The commission and auditor also said midyear reviews might prompt adjustments if revenues underperform.
The vote to adopt the 2025 budget was recorded as passed; commissioners conducted a roll call at the start of the budget portion and then approved the motion by voice vote.
The commission said it would try to make future budget materials more user-friendly and reiterated that departmental spending must conform to the approved line items, with midyear reviews if needed.
