Commission adopts preliminary FY2026 budget; staff outlines revenues, transfers and Medicaid contributions

County finance staff presented the preliminary fiscal-year 2026 operating budget, putting total operating expenditures at $51,302,660 and general-fund projected revenue at $25,000,883. The presentation noted anticipated increases to employee medical insurance (projected 20%) and a 0.5% increase in retirement contribution (PERA), and outlined transfers to special funds including $1,313,110 to the road department, $862,622 to the event center, $250,000 to an environmental fund and $810,000 to a renovation/addition fund.

Finance staff highlighted that the general fund balance is projected to be balanced under the preliminary numbers and that certain large projects would depend on pending grants. The presentation flagged Medicaid contribution obligations tied to a voter-approved gross-receipts tax rate: the county's share was estimated at approximately $953,850, and a separate safety-net care pool transfer (matched with federal funds) for Plains Regional Medical Center was presented at roughly $1,258,000.

Commissioners discussed the timing of revenues, contingency planning, and how potential grant awards (for the Kevin Roberts expansion and other projects) would change fund allocations in the final budget. Manager Pyle and finance staff said the preliminary budget meets DFA liquidity requirements for operating and road funds and that staff will return with a final budget in July after grant outcomes and final numbers are reconciled. The commission approved Resolution 2025-40 adopting the preliminary FY2026 budget.