Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ellis County reviews first draft of 2027 budget, sees projected shortfall
Summary
County Administrator presented a 2027 draft showing roughly $500,000 more revenue but $700,000+ in expenses for an approximate $200,000 gap; staff aim to hold the mill levy steady and will revisit spending and specific PILOT timing tied to the Tallgrass project.
County Administrator Darin Myers presented the first draft of the 2027 budget on June 2, outlining projected revenues and expenses and asking commissioners for additional direction ahead of future hearings.
Myers said the draft shows an estimated revenue increase of more than $500,000 while projected expenses exceed $700,000, leaving a draft shortfall of about $200,000. The budget as presented includes a 7% health‑insurance cost assumption and step and cost‑of‑living adjustments for staff. Myers noted adjustments to court‑appointed attorney funding and outside agency requests will be discussed at future meetings and that a Treasury registration fee and reallocation of positions between funds may affect final figures.
Commissioners discussed timing of PILOT proceeds tied to the Tallgrass project. Commissioner Michael Berges observed that the full $1.1 million PILOT schedule does not take effect for several years; Myers clarified that a $200,000 grant is expected upon completion of a road‑use agreement in September 2026 and another $200,000 in September 2027, with the remainder realized in later budget years (2029–2030). The commission set further budget review for follow‑up meetings.
