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County manager presents FY2027 budget calling for pay increases, $38M in capital and higher road funding
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Summary
The county manager presented a recommended FY2027 budget that includes a 3.5% merit pool for employees, $38 million in general capital projects, an increase in county road funding from $2 million to $4 million, and continued investment through the Pennies program; council debated staffing and funding sources before the budget’s first reading.
The County Manager presented his recommended FY2027 budget to the York County Council on April 14, outlining pay, capital and project priorities and scheduling a formal budget presentation to the council the following Monday.
The manager said employees are the county’s top priority and that the recommended budget includes a 3.5% merit increase tied to performance reviews. “Our employees are our most important resource,” he said, noting that the HR director, Lisa Davidson, had previously briefed council on the merit recommendation.
Why it matters: the proposal front‑loads personnel costs and seeks to protect midyear raises approved last year (a 10% midyear raise will have its first full‑year impact in FY27), reducing flexibility elsewhere in the operating budget.
Key capital and roads items: staff listed $38,000,000 in general capital projects for FY27, including the animal shelter, booking center and coroner’s facility. The manager proposed increasing county road funding from $2,000,000 to $4,000,000 and recommended adding a capital projects manager (a reclassification of a vacant position) to oversee 112 capital projects and improve reporting.
Pennies program and major multi‑year investments: the recommended budget includes continued investment in the Pennies program—roughly $145,000,000 in the budget materials—as well as more than $200,000,000 in combined capital and parks work when other projects are included. The manager said staff have worked to improve capital reporting and to prioritize projects for timely delivery.
Studies and one‑time investments: the manager highlighted large planning efforts included as one‑time strategic investments, among them the comprehensive plan update and a $1,200,000 space needs assessment (a consultant study recommended to be funded from fund balance). He also noted an Exit 90 feasibility study that could leverage up to $2,000,000 in admissions‑tax funds for interchange improvements.
Budget timing and process: the manager emphasized that Monday night’s presentation is the formal handoff of his recommended budget; council’s first reading is scheduled for the following meeting, with additional workshops planned if needed. Staff committed to follow‑up reports summarizing council questions and answers.
What’s next: the manager will present the recommended budget Monday; council members said they will bring detailed questions to upcoming workshops where staff will provide follow‑up documentation.
