Commission publishes 2027 provisional budget; debate focuses on Lenox ambulance funding and potential ambulance district

The Lincoln County Commission voted July 30 to publish the 2027 provisional budget and set a public hearing for Sept. 1, 2026, while commissioners engaged in an extended debate over possible county support for ambulance services in Lenox.

Auditor Sherry noted the provisional budget does not yet incorporate the countywide compensation study and that personnel costs are based on current rates with a proposed 3% cost-of-living adjustment and 2.5% step increases. "Because the study has not yet been completed... no pay study adjustments have been incorporated into the provisional budget," the auditor said. Commissioners used the budget debate to discuss an urgent request from the city of Lenox for between $100,000 and $200,000 to sustain its full-time ambulance service; Turner County had committed about $22,000 per the materials.

Several commissioners urged caution about committing general-fund dollars given an $11 million projected deficit and recommended a joint meeting with Turner County to explore an ambulance district that could allocate costs across jurisdictions. One commissioner argued for including some provisional line-item to indicate the county's intent without locking funds into the final budget; another commissioner said the townships and cities should share responsibility. The commission ultimately voted to publish the provisional budget for public review and comment; further decisions about ambulance funding will be considered in subsequent hearings.