County manager presents recommended Fiscal Year 2027 budget totaling $180.7 million; public hearing set for June 1

David Madden, presenting the recommended Fiscal Year 2027 budget, told commissioners the proposed general fund budget totals $180,708,992 and that the recommendation requires no property‑tax rate increase. Madden outlined enterprise fund recommendations (public utilities, solid waste, airport) and said proposed new positions total approximately $836,629. Special appropriations in the packet were summarized at $33,600,000.

Madden said the budget is balanced and that the county will hold a public hearing on the recommended budget at the June 1 meeting. He noted the budget includes anticipated school allocations (current expense fund for fiscal 27 shown as $36,900,000 in the presentation) and discussed capital and debt items, including school expansion debt planning. Commissioners asked for clarifications about the state teacher raise and possible local supplement; school officials present responded that state actions remain fluid and the county is budgeting conservatively for a 3.5% local supplement projection.

Finance Officer Dan Rios reported a financial update through March (75% of fiscal year), noted investment earnings allocated to the general fund and said auditors are on site this week; he estimated a potential variance in unassigned fund balance around plus or minus $1 million depending on end‑of‑year activity.

Why it matters: The recommended budget sets priorities and spending ceilings for county services, capital projects, new positions and planned appropriations. The absence of a proposed property‑tax increase and the allocation for school support will be of interest to residents and other stakeholders.

What’s next: The board will hold a public hearing on June 1 and may consider adoption after public input and any ratemaking procedural steps.