Cannon County adopts budget with no tax increase; commissioners note $305,000 ambulance grant

Cannon County commissioners on June 25 adopted a fiscal year appropriation ordinance they said includes no property tax increase and reflects the budget recommended by the budget committee.

During discussion before the vote, the chair announced that the county’s emergency medical services had applied for and been awarded a $305,000 state grant to buy a new ambulance. “We got no match,” the chair told commissioners, noting Chief Griffin’s involvement and that procurement and vendor quotes were being solicited.

The commission moved and seconded the appropriation resolution; the clerk called roll and read the outcome aloud as “nine to four,” after which the chair declared the motion passed. Commissioners also confirmed there would be no general salary raises in the adopted budget beyond those the state requires for certain elected officials.

The chair and staff said the county will draw on fund balance to cover any projected revenue shortfalls this year and credited interest rates and spending patterns for moderating the budget impact. No additional details about timing for the ambulance delivery were provided; the chair said it typically takes about a year after ordering.

The commission took no further action on the matter beyond adopting the budget. The next procedural step is implementation by county departments and any procurement steps for the ambulance purchase.