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Officials weigh FY27 levy scenarios as rural levy could rise sharply
Summary
Courtney presented worst-case FY27 levy scenarios showing a general basic levy of about $3.34 and a possible rural levy increase from $3.22 to $3.95 that could generate roughly $751,080 in additional rural tax dollars; supervisors asked for follow-up scenarios to soften the rural increase.
Courtney presented consolidated FY27 levy and fund-balance spreadsheets, walking supervisors through worst-case scenarios that include every departmental ask above a 2.8% COLA and suggested supplemental levies.
She said general basic levy proposals would be roughly $3.34 (down from about $3.44 last year) and highlighted a substantial rural service levy increase in the worst-case scenario: the rural levy shown would be $3.95 versus last yearat $3.22, producing about $751,080 more in rural tax dollars under the full set of departmental asks. Courtney noted that last year the board used $400,000 of local-option sales-tax receipts to offset supplemental levy requests, and offered options to reallocate those funds again to reduce the rural impact.
Why it matters: levy choices determine taxpayer bills and reserve levels. Courtney showed that keeping reserves near recommended levels (15% to 30%) interacts directly with the levy decisions and warned that over-correcting could hurt the county next year if valuation changes or legislative actions alter limits.
Supervisors directed Courtney to run at least two scenarios for the boardwork session: (1) use local-option money to wipe out the general supplemental levy and (2) reduce the rural ask by $100,000, then show the combined effect. They scheduled further budget work sessions for the 19th and a work session on the 20th at 9 a.m. to finalize decisions.
Next steps: Courtney will produce updated spreadsheets reflecting the requested scenarios for the next meetings.
