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Richland County board moves 2026 budget to public review, sets tentative truth-in-taxation hearing
Summary
The board approved releasing the proposed 2026 budget for a 15-day public inspection, discussed a one-time funding option for a recovery program, and tentatively scheduled a truth-in-taxation hearing for Dec. 11 to consider proposed levy increases.
Richland County commissioners voted Tuesday to publish the proposed 2026 budget for a 15-day public review and to revisit final approval at a November meeting, with a tentative truth-in-taxation public hearing set for Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m.
The finance chair, identified in the transcript as Steve, told the board the budget includes both revenue adjustments and reductions in budgeted expenditures to bring the projected deficit down to roughly $124,000 and proposed placing $450,000 in a new capital projects fund to cover upcoming equipment and road needs. The board approved making the budget available for public inspection and agreed to consider changes at the November meeting.
Why it matters: Commissioners said rising costs and uncertain state revenue trends prompted conservative assumptions. Among the items discussed were an approximately 8.9% increase in county insurance premiums, planned transfers to capital for IT and fleet purchases, and possible one-time support for local recovery and mental-health services.
A notable part of the discussion centered on a request tied to a local recovery-oriented program (referred to in the transcript as ROSC or “Ross”). Commissioner (Speaker 9) questioned a multi-year jump in that program’s budget; in response, Steve said the program estimates total start-up needs near $150,000 and asked whether the board would consider a one-time county contribution of $74,000, to be funded from reserves if the board chose to add a line item. The board did not adopt a funding decision immediately and will revisit the request during the November review.
Board staff also outlined specific allocations discussed for community partners: a proposed $100,000 for the Jasper County Health Department, Community Support Systems’ request increased to $65,000, Family Matters’ request reduced to $19,020.26, OneHope United maintained at $8,000, and Swan at $15,000. Prevail/CASA received partial funding during the year but no current full request due to internal reorganization, the finance staff said.
On levy timing, some commissioners urged waiting until after the November budget adjustments so final levy figures are based on the budget posted for public comment. Others noted the notice window for a truth-in-taxation hearing and agreed to tentatively schedule the hearing for Dec. 11 to preserve timing options. The board’s decision to publish the budget begins the public-comment clock that must run before final adoption.
Next steps: The budget will be available for at least 15 days for public review. The board will reconvene in November to consider final changes and then hold the tentative truth-in-taxation hearing on Dec. 11 if required by the final levy proposal.
