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Jefferson County sets proposed property‑tax hearing, agrees to 7% pay plan for budgeting
Summary
Supervisors scheduled a separate public hearing on the proposed property‑tax levy for March 24 at 11 a.m., discussed a rural‑levy shift tied to EMS funding, and voted to budget a 7% general wage increase to help maintain the countyfund balance amid rising mandated costs.
Jefferson CountyBoard of Supervisors on Monday set a separate public hearing on the proposed property‑tax levy for March 24 at 11 a.m. and directed staff to publish notices and mail levy notices under state deadlines.
Auditor staff told the board the earliest allowable hearing by statute is March 20 due to mailing deadlines, and the county must hold the levy hearing as a separate meeting. The board agreed to the March 24 date and to follow with a separate meeting to set a full budget adoption date afterward.
The board spent an extended session on levy drivers, noting that a 27¢ shift tied to ambulance funding had the effect of increasing the rural levy even though countywide levies do not rise. Speaker 3 (auditor staff) said the rural levy increase is intended “to maintain our fund balance” as state limits and rising costs squeeze county revenue and expenses.
Supervisors discussed mandated and fixed costs, including insurance and regional program dues, contributions to veteran and transit services, a $44,288 statutory library contribution, rising medical‑examiner fees and hazmat membership costs. Several supervisors warned those obligations reduce flexibility in the general fund.
To provide staff with a planning target, the board voted to budget a 7% general pay increase for employees next fiscal year. The motion carried on a voice vote. Speaker 1 said the increase is intended to help retain staff and to begin rebuilding reserves ahead of anticipated statutory levy caps.
The board concluded the budget work session by asking staff to prepare notices, timelines and the plain‑language explanation for the levy notice (the board agreed to emphasize maintaining fund balance as the primary reason for the rural levy change).
