Board hears proposed FY2025–26 budget and residents raise audit and debt concerns

County staff presented the proposed FY2025–26 budget during a public hearing May 1 and outlined key numbers: "the budget for all funds do total 62,490,000," and the general fund is shown at approximately $36,790,000, with a proposed real estate tax rate of $0.71 per $100 of assessed value, county staff said.

During the public comment period several residents pressed for transparency and clarification. Susan Carvelo said the FY2023–24 audit has not been released and asked why the county would move forward on large capital commitments such as the proposed YMCA before audits are complete: "Why would you do this without having your audits completed with accurate information?" she asked. Another resident raised debt concerns, saying the county currently carries roughly $23,280,000 in debt and that adding $24,000,000 would bring the total "dangerously close to $50,000,000" for a county of about 6,000 people.

County Administrator Rollins reviewed budget priorities including a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for most county employees, support for education (an additional $135,000 cited for schools), a $1.1 million one‑time revenue item from personal property billing changes and a revenue stabilization fund allocation. Rollins told the board the budget was built on strategic priorities set by the board and noted the board had already adopted tentative tax rates at a prior meeting.

County Attorney Perkins responded to audit questions later in the meeting, saying notices had been posted extending the audit completion date and that the county was in compliance with state requirements: "That notice ... extended the date, until 07/01/2025," she said. The board will reconvene May 8 to adopt the fiscal year budget and remaining tax rates.