Newton County adopts FY2027 budget; general fund $113.8 million, all‑funds $180.1 million

The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted June 16 to adopt the FY2027 budget and related appropriations resolutions. Finance staff presented the totals and a May financial update during the meeting.

Finance presenter Britney White (introduced on the record) told commissioners the county’s all‑funds budget for fiscal 2027 is $180,107,277 and the general fund is $113,814,967. White said the county held the millage rate steady “based on estimates” (the final tax digest is not expected until July) and noted that the county absorbed recent employee insurance cost increases rather than passing them to staff. "We haven't got the final tax digest yet. That won't be till July. But based on estimates, it should be the same millage rate," White said.

Commissioners praised the conservative approach but emphasized concerns about finding resources for employee pay. Commissioner Edwards urged staff to "look under those rocks" for potential ways to support staff increases later in the year; others said they would pursue follow‑up review and meetings with finance staff.

Related votes and items: the board unanimously approved the budget resolution to adopt the annual fiscal 2027 budget, an appropriations resolution for entities providing services to county residents, and the FY2027 holiday calendar. White also presented the May 2026 financial status: general fund revenues are approximately $101 million to date (about 93% of budget) and expenditures are roughly $92.8 million (about 85%), with SPLOST and impact fee balances described in the presentation.

What happens next: the board approved the budget resolutions tonight; the county will finalize its millage after the July tax digest. Commissioners said they would continue to review internal options to address employee compensation later in the fiscal year.

Votes and procedural note: finance resolutions passed by voice vote, recorded as unanimous on the meeting record.