Holmes County adopts 9.4916 millage, final 2024–25 budget and approves amendments for salaries and capital purchase

The Holmes County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 23 adopted a final millage rate of 9.4916 mills for fiscal year 2024–25 and approved the county’s final budget for the same period.

Speaker 2 (role not specified) read Resolution 24-27, saying the adopted millage of 9.4916 is 7.67% higher than the rollback rate of 8.8155 mills and that the rate "generates a small increase in revenue, which is needed to balance the general and transportation trust funds." The board voted to adopt the resolution and the measure took effect immediately upon adoption.

Why it matters: The adopted millage sets taxable rates that fund general operations and transportation programs for the county. Speaker 2 framed the increase as necessary for balancing core funds.

Board members then debated employee compensation choices while finalizing the budget. Speakers discussed but did not adopt a recurring across‑the‑board raise, citing cost concerns; Speaker 2 said a 2% recurring raise would cost about "$250,000" annually. As an alternative, commissioners discussed one-time stipends, with estimates given in the meeting that a $750 stipend would cost approximately $132,000 and a $1,000 stipend about $176,000. Several speakers raised tax and administration implications of cash stipends and noted gift cards had been used in smaller staffs to reduce withholding burdens.

On a separate motion, Speaker 3 asked for and received approval to use contingency funds to cover constitutional officers’ salaries if needed when those salaries take effect Oct. 1. Speaker 4 moved to allow use of contingencies and Speaker 2 seconded; the motion passed on recorded affirmative votes.

The board also approved an amendment to roll the purchase price for the Dogwood Lakes boat ramp forward into the next fiscal year. Speaker 3 moved to increase the roll‑forward amount so the purchase could be placed on next year’s budget; Speaker 4 seconded, and the motion passed.

Finally Speaker 2 read Resolution 24-28 adopting the final fiscal year 2024–25 budget; a motion to adopt passed and the resolution took effect immediately. The board recorded votes in favor as part of the meeting record.

Clarifying details recorded during the meeting included: the tentative millage 9.4916 (rollback 8.8155), estimated recurring cost of a 2% raise ($250,000), one-time stipend cost estimates ($750 ≈ $132,000; $1,000 ≈ $176,000), and an available contingency balance noted in the discussion of about $199,000 on the draft budget. The Dogwood Lakes purchase will be reflected in next year’s roll‑forward adjustments.

The board indicated that any further budget amendments may be handled later if needed; no new recurring raises were finalized during the session.