Story County approves FY2026 budget amendment, cites $1.8M in delayed grants

The Story County Board of Supervisors on May 19 adopted Resolution 26‑91 to amend the county's FY2026 budget and later approved an associated appropriation amendment as Resolution 26‑9.

Lisa Markley told the board the amendment reduces total revenues by a little over $2,000,000 and lowers expenses by just over $1,000,000. She said “over 1,800,000 of that is grants that won't be received this fiscal year,” and that salary‑related savings from vacant positions accounted for much of the expense reduction.

Markley said the county’s general ending fund balance after the amendment will be roughly 26 percent — close to the 27 percent budget target — and that the rural fund balance would move to about 19 percent. She noted the secondary roads fund would remain robust, at about 41 percent, and that most other funds are restricted.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After discussion, the board voted to approve Resolution 26‑91. County staff then explained that the appropriation amendment would align appropriations with the revised expense totals; the board moved and approved Resolution 26‑9, described as the third appropriations amendment this fiscal year.

What happens next: Markley said some grant‑funded expenses will be carried into FY2027 and amended into next year’s budget. The board did not identify any further immediate procedural steps beyond implementing the amended appropriations.

Votes at a glance: The board recorded affirmative votes for the resolutions during the session.