Pierce County residents press commissioners on senior center MOU, unexpected costs and possible millage increase

Pierce County commissioners on Oct. 29 fielded sustained public concern over the proposed 2026 budget, with speakers calling for clearer accounting on senior center spending, answers about newly discovered facility costs and explanations for steep year-over-year increases that officials say are largely driven by health insurance.

The public hearing opened with Chairman Neal Bennett providing a working draft of the budget and two illustrative millage scenarios: a 1.844 mill increase (the “green” column) and a 0 mill option (the “yellow” column), which he said would leave the county about $2.5 million short. Bennett urged property owners to check exemptions with the Board of Assessors and invited written questions to the clerk.

Why it matters: Commissioners must close a multi-million-dollar gap in time for budget adoption. Residents and local leaders urged transparency on how dollars flow to contracted providers and pressed the board for concrete steps to avoid steep property tax hikes.

Senior center and Action Pact

Stephanie Bell of Pierce County Family Connection thanked commissioners for boosting the senior center fund but said the center has operated without a current memorandum of understanding since 2023 and that the center manager’s hours had been cut by about 7.5 hours per week. Bell requested that any new MOU require the manager to work at least 37 hours per week at $18.15 per hour, sought reimbursement for 18 weeks of lost pay she said resulted from federal cutbacks, and asked for quarterly financial reports from Action Pact so the county can ensure funds are spent locally.

Offerman Mayor Brenda Denison echoed those concerns and asked the board why the county was releasing funds without a signed contract. Chairman Bennett promised that before any additional payments to Action Pact, the board would receive financial statements.

Unexpected facility costs and insurance

Several speakers pressed officials for details about significant increases in line items. County Manager Raphel Maddox told the meeting that the county recently discovered the Grady Street EMS building’s electric bill had not been paid by the prior owner and that the county will now assume approximately $30,000 per year in unbudgeted electric costs. Commissioners and the manager said that rising health insurance costs are a major driver of budget increases; Commissioner David Lowman attributed much of the year-over-year jump to insurance coverage changes.

Public concern and proposed options

Residents expressed opposition to higher taxes. A resident identified in the transcript as living at 4370 Old Hoboken Road told the board he would 'not give 20 percent more in property taxes.' Other speakers urged controls on spending: Lori Jones recommended freezing salary increases, while some commissioners said they prefer to avoid layoffs and seek cuts elsewhere.

A member of the public raised detailed line-item concerns, noting the draft shows roughly a 16 percent overall increase (about $2.8 million) and larger percentage jumps in specific columns; that commenter appears in the record under two similar names (the transcript lists both 'Blake Edward-Hacklebarney' and 'Blake Edwards'), a discrepancy the record does not resolve.

Operations, procurement and volunteer limitations

Questions also covered ongoing projects and procurement practices. Mayor Denison asked about the Otter Creek Fire Station; Chairman Bennett said the building is complete but still needs a well and septic system. Public Works Superintendent Bruce Carter explained the county’s policy to remove beaver dams where they threaten roads and drainage and said the county is moving many vehicles to a lease program to aid maintenance and reliability.

The county manager said inmate crews are not used for routine mowing because of liability concerns; mowing contracts are bid and Wright’s Lawn Service currently holds the contract.

Next steps

Commissioners did not take formal action at the hearing. Several members indicated an increase in millage is likely unless the board can identify sufficient cuts: Commissioner Randy Dixon said the millage has not been raised in at least three years and 'needs to be raised,' while Commissioner Troy Mattox called an increase 'inevitable' but said the board is searching for reductions to minimize the increase. Commissioner Graham Raley cautioned the board is 'nowhere close' to finalizing the budget. County Manager Raphel Maddox encouraged residents to call or make an appointment to discuss budget suggestions in detail.

Closing: The board adjourned at 7:50 p.m.