Board adopts housekeeping fiscal resolutions and kicks off 2026 budget process

The board adopted two routine fiscal resolutions and heard the district's 2026 budget kickoff presentation from finance staff.

Chair moved and the board passed amendments to the district fiscal policy to clarify signing authorities and then authorized Katrina Millet, the district's finance director, to be added as an authorized signer on the FirstBank checking account. Both roll-call votes were recorded as 5-0 in favor.

Earlier in the meeting Katrina reported that the district's property tax distributions are at expected levels and, after a delayed June payment from Jefferson County, total property tax revenue collected to date is about $4,100,000. Katrina also described fund structure and balances: the Plains Metro District settlement fund was reported at roughly $1,140,000, the conservation trust fund holds q2 receipts deposited to date, and smaller restricted funds were discussed. Katrina warned of cost pressures: medical-benefit costs are expected to rise (staff cited previous increases and anticipated another increase in the 13–18% range), and staff are watching tariff impacts, contract-service inflation and insurance cost increases.

Katrina outlined a tentative budget schedule: capital discussions on Sept. 23, an original draft on Oct. 14 with board review on Oct. 28, and budget approval and millage certification on Dec. 9 (millage certification to the state due Dec. 15). Board members asked whether to retain a small veterans-monument fund or close it into operating once spent; staff said they can include that as a discussion item in the budget timeline.

The board's votes completed the meeting's formal action items; no additional appropriations were approved at the session.