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Auditor pushes zero-deficit goal and proposes capital facilities work group for 2027 budget planning
Summary
Auditor Bryan Elliott and commissioners discussed a timeline and strategic priorities for the 2027 budget, including using a Pro Forma methodology, capping total budgeted expenditures to achieve a zero-deficit goal, creating fund balance policies, forming a capital facilities work group, and preparing for 2028 labor negotiations.
Auditor Bryan Elliott presented a proposed timeline and strategic priorities for the 2027 budget process and the Board of Commissioners endorsed a clearer calendar that includes a defined review period followed by a single decision day. Elliott said the county should use Pro Forma calculations and consider a cap on total budgeted expenditures to reach a cumulative zero-deficit budget aligned with projected revenues.
Commissioner Brett Wachsmith expressed interest in developing fund balance policies for funds beyond the General Fund, and Elliott proposed forming a capital facilities work group to guide facility decisions before hiring outside planners. Elliott also stressed the importance of preparing for 2028 labor negotiations—saying decisions about exempt employees and elected officials will affect bargaining.
Chairman Cory Wright and Commissioner Wachsmith identified preliminary priorities—including a zero-deficit General Fund and a plan to divest from the Morris Sorenson and Permit Center buildings—but deferred finalizing the list until Commissioner Osiadacz can weigh in.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the proposed timeline, form the work group, and return with recommendations for final budget decisions and any related policy proposals.
