County administrator warns state budget cost shifts could increase local burdens

County administrator Dave Mankie presented the first-quarter budget update and a legislative briefing, telling commissioners the current state budget proposals create a structural deficit for fiscal year 2026–27 and that several proposals shift costs to counties.

Mankie reviewed key fund charts, explained that early-year bond and contract payments make year-to-date totals look higher, and said the county’s revenues and expenditures are tracking largely as expected. He warned commissioners that proposed reductions to state aid — including proposals affecting highway-user distributions, police training aid, and other HHS-related funding — would disproportionately affect counties and could produce pressure for property-tax increases unless accompanied by mandate relief. “If we want to save money and cut programs, the legislature should not be allowed to just say, ‘Well, we’re gonna cut your funding, you figure it out,’ ” he said, urging commissioners to contact legislators while the legislature is on break and before the constitutional deadline in mid-May.

Mankie recommended the board begin major budget preparations in July and warned the board to expect difficult choices in the coming cycle, including potential service reductions or staffing changes if cost shifts are not addressed by the state.