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Liberty County adopts $71.2 million FY2027 budget after debate over youth funding
Summary
The Liberty County Board of Commissioners adopted a $71.2 million FY2027 budget on June 18, 2026, after rejecting a motion to add $150,000 for expanded youth services. Finance staff said the county holds about 7.1 months in unreserved fund balance and expects to apply recent FLOST collections toward lowering millage.
Liberty County commissioners voted on June 18 to adopt the county�s FY2027 general fund budget, a $71.2 million spending plan that officials said reflects months of review and $3.4 million in reductions from initial requests.
The vote followed a contentious exchange over a separate proposal to add $150,000 to youth services. Commissioner Frazier moved to increase the youth-development line from $58,981 to $208,981 to support year-round programming and a full-time director; the motion was seconded but failed by a show-of-hands vote.
Finance staff presented the budget and key year-to-date figures during the meeting. "Starting with the general fund as of the end of April, we have collected 96% of our anticipated revenues and have spent 77% of our anticipated expenditures for the year," staff said, and reported the county currently has "7.1 months in our unreserved fund balance." The finance presentation also detailed sales tax, SPLOST and T‑SPLOST collections and spending for capital projects.
Supporters of the added youth funding framed the request as an investment in public safety and workforce development. "Our kids aren't just our future, they're our present," Commissioner Frazier said during debate, urging the board to fund expanded safe-summer and year-round activities. Opponents argued the county must be cautious ahead of the July 1 fiscal year start and the final property-tax digest, noting the board had already worked to pare the budget down from initial requests.
Administrators told commissioners the state�s decision to allow the county to apply FLOST collections through June to this year's budget should make it possible to lower the millage rate. "We are expecting to be able to decrease the millage this year," finance staff said, while noting final millage-setting will depend on the full tax digest when it becomes available.
The Board adopted the general fund resolution for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027; commissioners also approved special revenue and SPLOST/T‑SPLOST budgets in subsequent votes. Several commissioners asked staff to remain frugal and to revisit budget items if the upcoming digest requires adjustments.
