Jefferson County adopts $33.36 million FY2025 budget; board funds landfill repairs, ambulance support and salary steps
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Summary
After a day-long review and a public hearing, Jefferson County commissioners adopted a $33,363,522 fiscal‑year 2025 budget. The package funds solid‑waste compactor repairs, landfill expansion planning and continued support for ambulance service while retaining a 3% property‑tax cap approach and step/grade salary adjustments.
Jefferson County commissioners adopted the county’s fiscal‑year 2025 budget at $33,363,522 after a public hearing and detailed departmental reviews. The board and staff laid out major cost drivers—including repairs to a landfill compactor, planned landfill expansion, and payments to ambulance service partners—before voting to finalize the plan.
The budget hearing focused on where the county will apply restricted and enterprise funds versus property‑tax revenue. County staff told commissioners the landfill budget included a planned $800,000 rebuild of a compactor and near‑term investments to expand the county‑line landfill; those expenses will be covered by landfill revenues rather than general levies. Commissioners also directed about $300,000 in county funds toward ambulance services administered by the regional provider to maintain coverage while longer‑term ambulance district discussions continue.
The county’s estimated non‑levy revenues were $22,792,791 and projected property‑tax receipts were approximately $8,917,098, producing a modest cash‑forward position. Commissioners discussed salary-step adjustments, a 2% COLA and targeted grading increases for some department heads and law‑enforcement positions to improve retention; the board acknowledged higher insurance costs and the need to stay competitive with neighboring counties. Public‑defender contingency funding and several small technical budget fixes were carried into the final resolution.
The board approved Resolution 2024‑25 adopting the budget by roll call. The county clerk will finalize levy worksheets (L‑2 forms) and publish required notices. The county chair recommended ongoing monitoring and minor budget amendments if post‑adoption issues arise.
The adoption closes the formal budget calendar; the county’s next procedural step is to publish levy rates and L‑2 worksheets with the state tax commission and post the approved budget documents on the county website.