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Stephens County holds first public hearing on proposed $55.13 million FY27 budget; SPLOST bond drives headline increase
Summary
County staff presented a proposed FY27 government‑wide operating budget of $55,133,988, a 32.46% increase driven mainly by a $12 million SPLOST 8 forward‑funding bond; staff said the board plans a second public hearing before final adoption.
County staff told the Stephens County Board of Commissioners during the first public hearing that the proposed fiscal year 2027 government‑wide operating budget is $55,133,988, an increase of 32.46% over the current year, driven primarily by an anticipated $12 million spike in SPLOST 8 forward‑funding from a recent bond sale.
"The fiscal year 20 27 government wide operating budget for the period beginning 07/01/2026 is proposed at $55,133,988," the staff presenter said, explaining that without the $12,000,000 in SPLOST receipts the increase would be only 3.63 percent.
Staff said the general fund portion of the proposed budget is $24,669,218 (a 5.82% increase) and attributed part of that rise to higher health‑insurance and liability costs. The proposal includes a performance pay package of roughly 3% for most county employees and indicated the county would cover about 98% of the group‑health employee‑only premium for one offered plan; staff said employees on other plans would save $20–$50 per month compared with the prior year.
The presentation outlined enterprise and capital items: a solid‑waste enterprise fund budget, an acknowledgment that SPLOST 7 receipts are ending as projects wind down, and a projection to bring in $6,180,000 in SPLOST 8 receipts in FY27 with initial splits among cities and county per existing intergovernmental agreements. Staff also noted one additional full‑time position in FY27 to accommodate a mandated school resource officer.
County finance director James Elrod was noted as present for questions. The board opened the hearing, called for public testimony on the budget (procedures and time limits were read aloud) and closed the first public hearing; a second public hearing will be held at the board’s next meeting in June before final adoption.
No public speakers contested the proposal at this hearing; the board took no immediate budget vote and will consider final adoption after the second hearing.
