Ways and Means committee approves up to $220 million delinquent-tax borrowing and a jail construction fund transfer

The Wayne County Commission Committee on Ways and Means on March 24 approved a package of financial items that includes a resolution authorizing delinquent-tax revolving borrowings for 2026 and a budget adjustment to move remaining funds from the 2018 jail center construction fund.

Carl Stafford, director of special projects in the Wayne County Treasurer's Office, told the committee that the resolution seeks authority for up to $220 million in notes to advance proceeds to local jurisdictions so they can balance budgets by mid‑June. "Before you today is a resolution amount of $220 million dollars," Stafford said, adding that preliminary delinquent tax rolls total about $245 million but collections in March and April are expected to reduce the actual issuance below $220 million. He also said last year the county issued notes totaling $193 million, of which $24 million was directed to the county and its various taxing jurisdictions.

A representative identified as RD Corporation Council described a separate budget adjustment to transfer remaining funds from the jail construction budget and requested an extra year to reconcile outstanding invoices; the presenter said no new funding was requested, only the transfer and accounting needed to close out the contract. Committee members asked no substantive questions on the transfers.

A motion to approve the items was moved by Commissioner Bun and supported by Commissioner Anderson; the committee voted in favor by voice vote with no opposition recorded at the time of the meeting.

Next steps: the committee-approved resolutions and budget adjustments will be forwarded according to the county's usual procedures for full-commission consideration and implementation. The treasurer's office said it is important that local taxing jurisdictions receive proceeds promptly to meet mid‑June budgeting needs.