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Oconee commissioners review wide-ranging FY26 midyear budget amendments
Summary
County finance staff presented a midyear amendment package adding projected insurance and interest revenues and proposing new spending and transfers across general, capital and special funds, including $2 million for fire station/rescue facilities and several capital roundabout and well repairs.
Oconee County finance staff presented a comprehensive midyear budget amendment package Jan. 27 proposing revenue increases and targeted spending changes across multiple funds.
Finance staff said additional insurance premium tax receipts ($257,630) and higher interest revenue ($186,100) would cover several general fund needs, including 10 sets of fire turnout gear ($52,130), facilities building design services ($92,000), transit van budget increases ($50,000 each), HVAC replacement at Herman C. Michael gym ($100,000) and park signage ($75,000). The tourism office requested $40,000 for a special-event promotion. The presentation included several revenue-neutral amendments funded by grants, reimbursements or transfers.
Capital and water-resources items included demolition at Highway 53 for the Raes Church roundabout ($75,000), the Wellbrook Roundabout easement costs ($123,844), a Snows Mill roundabout streetlight allocation ($30,420), and multiple water system repairs and pump replacements including an Eppsbridge pump ($85,000) and Halls Creek pump repairs ($65,350).
Staff also proposed moving existing budgeted facilities funds ($550,000) to parks and recreation for exterior improvements at the Veterans Park Community Center and reallocating E-911 console funds to the jail ($43,180) based on E-911 underspend. Melissa said some items were revenue-neutral and others would use fund balance; she noted the board had received the packet late and offered to return the item for further review next week if commissioners wanted more time.
What was said: "I did email this out to you outside of the agenda packet," Melissa said, summarizing the amendments and answering technical questions from commissioners about specific transfers. One commissioner asked whether a $110,115 transfer to EMS would benefit Nash or another entity; staff clarified the funds were for a local project and not a check to an external party.
Next steps: Staff asked whether the board wanted to leave the package on the table and return next week for further consideration; the chair said members should take time to review the materials before final action.
