Ellis County previews 2027 budget calendar; staff warns interest revenue could drop about $400,000

Darren Myers, county administrator, summarized the county's fiscal picture and the timeline for the 2027 budget. "As you can see for 2025, the actual budget line shows that we are we fell short about $423,000 in revenue," he said, then explained that after accounting for the sale of the Public Works building the county actually finished the year ahead of projections.

Myers reviewed capital funds, noting a $600,000 increase tied to the Public Works building sale and a projected reduction in interest earnings for 2027. He told commissioners staff expect to budget about $1.1 million for interest in 2027 compared with roughly $1.7 million collected in 2025, noting this is a roughly $400,000 shortfall to factor into planning. He also outlined sales tax receipts (reported near $3.36 million) and emphasized that sales tax revenue reduces the county's reliance on property tax mill levy.

On process, Myers recommended the commission allow staff to file the paperwork that would permit the county to exceed the revenue-neutral rate if needed — a procedural step that preserves flexibility but does not commit the commission to raising rates. He flagged calendar items and deadlines: staff asked commissioners to provide any budget directions at a meeting on April 14; department budgets are due to the administrator by the end of May and the first draft of the budget will be presented to the commission on June 2. Myers said uncertainties remain while the state legislature completes the veto period on bills that could affect county timelines.