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Benton County adopts FY27 budget, sets reserves and tax levies
Summary
After a public hearing, the Benton County Board of Supervisors adopted the fiscal year 2026‑27 budget, designating committed fund balances for equipment, emergency services and LOSST and listing property tax levies for several funds.
The Benton County Board of Supervisors adopted the fiscal year 2026‑27 budget on April 21, 2026, following a public hearing held at the Benton County Service Center.
Chairman Tracy Seeman opened the hearing at 9:30 a.m., and resident Jill Marlow urged the board to preserve reserves, questioned whether offices had set staffing levels and warned against balancing the budget “on the backs of their employees.” Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Karsten responded, describing steps the sheriff’s office has taken to generate revenue and reduce costs.
The board approved Resolution #26‑31 adopting the FY27 budget and establishing committed fund‑balance designations including $647,000 in the General Fund for equipment and vehicle replacement, $47,000 in Rural Services for a land‑use administrator vehicle, $125,610 in the EMS Revolving Loan Fund for emergency services loans, and $115,000 in LOSST. The resolution also lists proposed property tax amounts (excluding gas and electric) including General Basic $6,649,665; General Supplemental $4,189,080; Rural Services Basic $4,224,768; Debt Service $798,116; and Voted Emergency Medical Services $1,291,935.
Volz moved and Seeman seconded the adoption of the resolution; Seeman and Volz voted aye and the motion carried.
The board closed the public hearing at 9:53 a.m. and did not record further amendments to the adopted budget at that meeting.