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Board opens public hearing on FY2027 budget and keeps current tax rates unchanged
Summary
County staff presented a recommended FY2027 'status quo' budget with a 2% across-the-board staff increase and no change to tax rates; the board opened a public hearing and heard multiple citizens urging full school funding during the hearing period that stays open through April 21, 2026.
County staff presented the recommended FY2027 budget and recommended 2026 tax rates during the April 14 meeting and opened a public hearing that will remain open through April 21, 2026.
Staff described the budget as a "status quo" proposal that includes a 2% across-the-board staff pay increase (estimated $85,000), an estimated 7.2% increase in health insurance costs (about $71,000), and the recommended use of $1,850,000 in rollover fund balance. Staff also said the recommended budget does not change current tax rates and provided estimated revenue-per-penny figures.
"The recommended budget does not include any changes in the current tax rates," staff said, and provided sample levies: "The actual levy is real estate and manufactured homes, 60¢. Personal property, $4.50. Airplanes, 50¢." The board opened the public hearing on tax rates and budget and noted citizens will be allowed to submit written or oral comments through April 21.
During the public-hearing segment that followed, multiple residents, educators and parents urged the board to fully fund the school division, warning that flat funding could result in the loss of approximately $1,100,000 in state matching funds and cuts to Pre-K, CTE programs, athletics and student supports. Several speakers also raised transportation concerns and described the county's bus garage as unsafe for mechanics.
