Shelby County adopts FY2027 operating budget and sets new property tax rate

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners adopted the county’s FY2027 operating budget on June 29, 2026, after a prolonged floor session that included dozens of amendments and hours of public testimony on transit, youth programs, neighborhood grants and county facilities.

Following debate and a sequence of roll‑call votes to accept or reject specific amendments, the body approved the operating budget as amended. Commissioners then enacted an ordinance setting the tax rate for tax year 2027. The commission later approved a narrowly reduced tax rate via a subsequent procedural amendment during the meeting.

Key details: The budget passed as amended on the floor. Commissioners debated and voted on numerous targeted adjustments — including restoring or reducing funding for specific offices and programs, reallocating certain grants, and reviewing maintenance‑of‑effort questions for elected offices. The final tax ordinance was adopted by recorded vote after a short procedural suspension requested to permit an on‑the‑floor rate adjustment.

Public input: Dozens of speakers addressed the commission before the final budget vote. Transit advocates urged restoration of county support for MATA and passage of joint oversight; nonprofit leaders and residents asked for funding for youth and opportunity programs and for protections for communities dependent on small grants. Several speakers—residents and nonprofit representatives—raised concerns about the regressive effect of a tax increase on seniors and fixed‑income households.

Commissioner concerns and clarifications: Commissioners used the floor amendments to question maintenance‑of‑effort impacts, how temporary and seasonal staffing would be funded for elections, and whether particular grant and capital requests could be delayed or reallocated. Administration and the county attorney provided technical clarifications about procurement and legal limits where needed.

What’s next: Administration will provide follow‑up documentation requested on items such as Milton grants, election commission staffing costs, and contract scorecards. The new tax rate is now in effect under the ordinance procedure set by the commission, and the budget takes effect as the FY2027 operating plan.

Speakers: Chairwoman Shante K. Avant; Commissioners Michael Whley (budget chair), Erica Sugarman, and others; dozens of community speakers.