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Henry County unveils $8.82 million FY2027 budget; Animal Services line items amended
Summary
Judge/Executive Scott Bates presided over the first reading of Henry County's FY2027 budget, presented by Deputy Judge Travis Buchanan and totaling $8,817,411.07. The court approved the first reading with targeted amendments to Animal Services funding and recorded several higher-cost line-item changes.
Judge/Executive Scott Bates opened a special fiscal session on April 28, 2026, and introduced Deputy Judge Travis Buchanan, who presented the first reading of the FY2027 budget, described in the meeting record as totaling $8,817,411.07. The budget was read line-by-line and several major adjustments were highlighted for the court's consideration.
Buchanan reported that overall insurance expenses would increase by 10% and health insurance costs by 16%. The county will offer an opt-in Health Savings Account plan under which Fiscal Court will contribute $500 for single plans and $1,000 for other plans for employees who opt in. Medical costs for inmates were increased from $20,000 in the current fiscal year to $75,000 in FY2027. The jail vehicle line item was adjusted to allow a $30,000 minivan purchase by rolling $15,000 in unexpended funds from the current year and adding $15,000 in the new budget.
The budget presentation also called out a rise in the 911 emergency dispatch allocation to $125,000 due to a sharp decrease in regional 911 account revenues funded by landline fees; a $400,000 remaining EDA grant for the Angel's Envy Sewer Project expected to close after audit; a County Road Aid projection of $991,307.75 (down $217,513 from last year); and notable differences in the Jail Fund compared with the current year. The county listed liabilities including a $12,889.50 payment for the Sheriff’s Department building and noted the courthouse liability must be included on the county liability sheet.
During budget discussion Esquire Roger Hartlage questioned Animal Services allocations for conferences, capital improvements, and a second vehicle. Judge Bates said line-item adjustments could be made without altering the total budget and emphasized caution given tight fiscal constraints. After discussion, Esquire Danny Shain moved and Esquire Ed Frederick seconded to approve the first reading of the FY2027 budget with specific amendments to Animal Services: $1,500 for Capital Improvements, $1,000 for Conferences, and $10,000 for an Animal Control vehicle. The motion carried unanimously.
The first-reading approval does not finalize the budget; the court recorded the amendments and advanced the budget process consistent with local procedure. No formal roll-call vote totals for individual members were recorded in the meeting minutes beyond the notation that each motion "carried unanimously."
