Butler County votes to fund General Relief staff, sets $25,000 fair donation and schedules FY26 tax-levy hearing

The Butler County Board of Supervisors voted March 4 to increase the county’s General Relief budget to include salary and benefits for a position previously administered under a State contract, after county officials said state changes left the role unfilled.

Supervisor Greg Barnett, who raised the issue during public comment and board discussion, said the county should retain the position as a county employee "as it is important for many within the county." County Social Services staff member Sara Janssen described the duties and provided examples of services the position performs, and Sheriff Jason Johnson said his office has used those services and "supports it becoming a county position." The motion to add salary and benefits passed on a motion by Barnett, seconded by Wayne Dralle, with all ayes.

Auditor Leslie Groen told the board she included the General Relief salary and benefit increases in the FY26 proposed budget mailing and reminded supervisors that once the budget statement is mailed the budget may only be decreased, not increased. The board set the Butler County Fair donation at $25,000 (motion by Barnett, second by Rusty Eddy) and voted to use the Compensation Board’s recommended salary adjustments in the initial FY26 proposed budget (motion by Barnett, second by Dralle); both motions passed with all ayes.

The board set a public hearing on the FY26 Proposed Property Tax Levy for March 25, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The meeting record shows the supervisors agreed further work is needed on the new county position’s job description, roles and responsibilities before posting and hiring.

No specific dollar amount for the General Relief position’s salary was provided in the meeting record. The board’s actions were recorded as motions with unanimous support and will be reflected in the published FY26 budget statement prior to the March 25 hearing.