Geary County commissioners weigh cuts to reserves, capital transfers and vehicle spending during 2027 budget review

Presenter reviewed the draft 2027 budget on matters ranging from community appropriations to emergency equipment, and told commissioners the county’s estimated cash balance is projected to decline by about $37,000 for 2027. "We have $37,000 decrease that we're expecting to come into 2027," the Presenter said, noting that transfers and repair costs were driving much of the pressure on the levy.

A round of discussion focused on public-safety costs and vehicle spending. Staff members said vehicle repairs have risen sharply — one line item moved from about $45,000 last year toward $60,000 in the current projection — and emergency vehicles and specialized apparatus are significantly more expensive than before. "You cannot get a good quality vehicle for little money," one staff member said, describing market-driven price increases and the county’s turn toward buying used equipment when appropriate.

Gary, who had been introduced by another speaker before taking the floor, emphasized how much of the proposed reductions would affect the mill levy. "Roughly half plus a little more are from the general fund, which affect mill levy," Gary said, and asked for clarity about how economic development funds are sourced; staff responded that the economic development line receives a transfer from the general fund.

Commissioners debated possible cuts to reserve, capital improvement plan (CIP) and facility transfers as a way to reduce the county’s projected exceeding-revenue-neutral total. One proposal would reduce the reserve transfer, the CIP transfer and facilities funding by roughly $50,000 each; Presenter warned that reserves are intended to cover several months of expenditures and suggested a longer-term target in the millions. "You should have at least three months worth of expenditures in there," the Presenter said, noting a multi-year approach to reserve policy.

Funding requests for community events and appropriations drew separate discussion. Members reviewed allocations for the Opera House, senior center and festival grants, and debated a proposal to provide $3,000 from CVV funds to Juneteenth organizers (previous CVV awards were $1,500). The group also noted that one organization had been allocated $1,500 in the current award year and that additional awards would affect the presented budget totals.

Federal revenue uncertainty surfaced around payments in lieu of taxes (PILT). Presenter said the U.S. Department of the Interior payment posted recently for the county was $85,009.81 but that a '27 estimate was not yet available, complicating revenue forecasting for next year. Commissioners discussed advocacy with state and federal representatives to protect those dollars.

On employee compensation and benefits, the board debated COLA and step adjustments given rising health-insurance costs; several members said benefits remain an important recruitment tool, while staff warned that significant premium increases could reduce take-home pay for some employees. Presenter reminded the group the county currently funds EMS at a flat appropriation level and that outside EMS appropriations remain in place regardless of internal decisions.

The commission agreed to reconvene for a follow-up workshop after staff recalculates the figures from today’s suggested adjustments. They discussed possible dates in early August, with Tuesday–Thursday afternoons preferred. The meeting will review updated numbers before the county finalizes revenue-neutral determinations.

The county provided detailed line-item figures and several scenarios during the workshop, but commissioners did not take any final votes on appropriations during this session; they asked staff to present revised worksheets at the next meeting.