Osage County reviews draft budget, discusses exceeding revenue-neutral rate and scheduling R&R hearing

County budget staff presented a preliminary 2027 budget in state form and advised commissioners on options for setting the mill levy and declaring intent to exceed the revenue-neutral (R&R) rate.

Sean Gordon, who assembled the draft, said his initial estimate would put the county roughly two mills above the R&R rate to rebuild cash reserves and fund departmental requests. He identified a goal of restoring at least $1 million in general-fund cash reserves and explained that some revenue assumptions (sales tax, inmate housing receipts and reimbursements) would affect the final numbers.

Commissioners pressed for detail on several line items and urged staff to verify assumptions before the board sets a top tax rate for public notice. The county must deliver a notice of intent — including a proposed top tax rate and hearing date — to the county clerk by 5 p.m. July 20 so notices can be mailed and published. Staff emphasized that the board may adopt any rate at or below the published cap at the hearing but cannot raise the rate above that published top rate.

Why it matters: choosing a proposed top rate starts a public-notice clock and determines the maximum rate shown on taxpayer notices. Commissioners said they preferred to review additional detail this week and pick a proposed top rate next week so the clerk can meet the statutory notice schedule.

What happens next: staff will refine revenue estimates, meet with department heads as needed, and return next week with a recommended top rate and proposed hearing date to meet the July 20 filing deadline.