Chatham County manager presents balanced proposed budget; public hearings set for June

County Manager Michael Kagler on behalf of the Chatham County administration presented a proposed balanced budget that would hold general-fund growth to under 4% and prioritize public-safety spending. Kagler said the general-fund proposal totals about $328 million and the special service district budget is about $74.5 million.

Miss Davis, the county finance presenter, gave the third-quarter financial report ending March 31, reporting General Fund revenues of $203.8 million and expenditures of $215.5 million; she said sales-tax receipts helped shore up some funds but the sewer fund remains in deficit (the presenter reported roughly $856,000). "A budget is directing where your money goes, not wondering where it went," Miss Davis said as she summarized revenues, expenditures and cash balances.

Kagler outlined the public schedule for review: a first public hearing on the proposed budget on June 12 at 9:30 a.m., millage hearings and workshops on June 18 (morning and 6 p.m.), and scheduled budget adoption for the board's June 26 regular meeting. He said the budget document was posted online and staff finance personnel were available to answer questions.

Commissioners asked specific questions about enterprise funds and the sewer deficit; Miss Davis said the sewer fund is an enterprise on paper but revenues to date have not matched expenditures despite fee increases. The board voted to accept the action calendar and moved several budget amendments and transfers (including increases to the public defender operating account and capital grants) for approval during the meeting.

Looking ahead, Kagler said staff will provide more detailed budget materials and welcomed follow-up questions from commissioners and the public before the scheduled hearings. The public can review the proposed budget online and at the county library ahead of the June hearings.