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Pennington County commissioners set direction on 2027 budget guidance, emphasize forecasting and personnel controls
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Summary
As the 2027 budget process began, commissioners emphasized forecasting, five‑year personnel projections, benefit design options and a focus on decreasing or holding the county budget steady; commissioners also discussed a potential half‑percent sales‑tax program under Senate Bill 96 and asked staff for department‑level forecasts.
Pennington County formally kicked off its 2027 budget process on April 20 with staff requesting direction from the board on whether to continue recent practices or change approach. County budget staff asked department heads for guidance on priorities and forecasting horizons.
Commissioners pressed for multi‑year forecasting and close scrutiny of personnel costs, including a review of benefit levels and promotion absorption practices. Commissioner Durer said he wants departments to forecast five years of projects so commissioners have a planned outlook rather than reacting to mid‑year requests.
Chair said, "I have no interest in raising the budget, and I have all interest in decreasing the budget," and asked department heads to provide mid‑year reconciliations so the commission can identify potential cuts or efficiencies.
The board also discussed Senate Bill 96, which would allow counties to adopt a local sales‑tax option of up to a half percent to fund property‑tax relief. County staff relayed a state estimate that a half‑percent could return an estimated 76% of owner‑occupied property tax paid for an average homeowner under the state worksheet, but commissioners cautioned that the shift changes tax incidence and asked for more detailed modeling and timelines before considering any local action.
What’s next: Budget staff will present department‑level forecasts, personnel projections (including cost impacts for COLA, step increases and possible changes to dental or life insurance), and an analysis of how potential sales‑tax options would interact with property taxes. Commissioners signaled they want a conservative approach focused on reducing or holding the budget steady.
