Newton County adopts $180.1 million FY2027 budget, keeps millage rate estimate unchanged

The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted June 16 to approve the county’s fiscal‑year 2027 budget and related appropriations, adopting an all‑funds plan of $180,107,277 and a general fund budget of $113,814,967.

Finance staff told the board the county completed the required public hearings and budget meetings and that the final tax digest — which determines the official millage rate calculation — will not be available until July. "Based on estimates, it should be the same millage rate" as last year, staff said. Commissioners and members of the public asked for continued vigilance over departmental spending and urged the board to seek ways to support county employees.

Several residents who spoke during the public comment period praised the budget’s restraint. "It is an excellent budget," resident Dennis Taylor told the board, adding the plan holds the millage steady while providing revenue to respond to cost increases.

Board members discussed follow‑up items they want to track as the fiscal year begins: monitoring departments that have historically overspent, exploring non‑property‑tax revenue options, and looking for opportunities later in the year to address employee salaries. The board also approved related FY2027 consent items, including annual appropriations to outside entities and the holiday calendar.

The county’s finance presentation summarized the current fiscal position at the end of May: general fund revenues were running at about $101 million (roughly 93% of budgeted revenues) with expenditures near $92.8 million. Staff said June is typically a heavy month for accruals and year‑end adjustments.

The appropriation resolution and the budget items on the consent agenda were adopted by the board.