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Stephens County adopts $41.6 million FY2026 budget amid resident concerns over assessments
Summary
The Stephens County Board of Commissioners adopted a $41,623,134 FY2026 operating budget (a 3.15% increase) and authorized the chairman to sign the implementing resolution after a public hearing in which residents pressed the board on assessment notices, millage rollback mechanics and potential uses of idle county properties.
Stephens County commissioners voted to adopt the fiscal year 2026 county operating budget proposed at $41,623,134, a 3.15% increase over FY2025, and authorized the chair to sign the implementing resolution. Staff said the increase is primarily driven by higher health and liability insurance, workers'compensation, and expenses for essential services including EMS, volunteer fire, E-911, the court system and the sheriff's office.
"The fiscal year 26 government wide operating budget for the period beginning 07/01/2025, is proposed at $41,623,134," the staff presenter said. The presentation noted an unincorporated maintenance and operations (M&O) millage of 10.38 mills (unchanged from FY25) and a projected net millage of 13.96, a 0.38-mill decrease from last year; staff also explained that state law requires advertising a tax increase because the M&O rollback was not fully provided.
The board adopted the budget by voice vote; the motion to adopt was made, seconded, and the chair declared, "That motion carries." The adopted budget includes a proposed general fund of $23,313,121 (a 5.52% increase), a proposed performance-pay increase of about 3% for most county employees, and coverage of 98% of the employee-only portion of group health insurance for the plan offered.
Residents who spoke during the public hearing highlighted confusion about assessment notices and online calculators, unpaid utility receivables and the county's ownership of underused properties. Sherry Jeffers, who identified her address for the record, praised the board's process but urged action: "And I appreciate every single 1 of you guys up here and I voted for every single 1 of you." She told commissioners she believes roughly $400,000 in billing was not collected from public utilities over recent years and asked whether the county could pursue those amounts and consider selling surplus buildings.
Board members and staff responded to questions about assessments, homestead exemptions and HB581 implications; staff noted revenue projections incorporate a 1% uncollected rate for property taxes and anticipated local option sales tax growth. The board took no amendments at the meeting and moved the budget into effect by approving the motion on the floor.
