Russell County fiscal court gives first reading to FY25-26 budget amendment totaling $3.83 million

The Russell County fiscal court gave first reading to an ordinance amending the FY25-26 budget that lists $3,834,258.60 in revised receipts and matching appropriations.

During the first reading Speaker 8 read line‑by‑line the ordinance (identified in the transcript as 'Ordinance 25 11') and listed fund changes including transportation fees ($205,218.57), transportation commercial fees ($340,329.03), reimbursements ($154,691.89), a general‑fund prior‑year carryover ($670,609.25), jail reimbursements ($2,514.55) and jail prior‑year carryover ($64,190.76). The dispatch prior‑year carryover was read as $167,732.78, airport fuel sales $42,950.27 and an ABC prior‑year carryover $19,061.51. A grants line included a COPS/GRAMa/hospital‑security grant of $166,960. Speaker 8 stated, "The total amended revenues is $3,834,258.60." (Speaker 8).

Court members discussed whether the amendment needed to be submitted to the Department for Local Government for review. Speaker 1 asked whether the amendment 'has to go to DLG' and Speaker 8 and others indicated that it likely would and that the county has submitted similar documents previously.

In related votes the court approved interfund transfers read by Speaker 1: $176,707.65 from the general fund (purpose noted in the meeting as a JV transfer), $156,305 from the general fund to dispatch, and a $13,375 payment to Pulaski County for regional shelter services. Those transfers were moved and approved by voice vote during the meeting.

The ordinance was presented as a first reading; Speaker 8 said the court would return for the next reading at a future meeting. Court members discussed scheduling a short special call meeting the following week to finalize outstanding items.

What happens next: the first reading was completed and further action (second reading, formal adoption or required filings to state agencies) was left for a subsequent meeting or call session.