Polk County presents $3.465 billion tentative budget, funds 191 new positions and 4% pay increase

County Manager Beasley and Kristia Johnson, head of Budget & Management Services, presented the proposed FY 2025-26 tentative budget totaling $3,464,631,333 and explained the principal elements of the plan. The proposed general fund budget is $726,000,000 (an 11.1% increase over the current year). Kristia told the board, “The proposed FY 25 26 balance budget totals $3,464,631,333.”

The presentation highlighted a five-year Community Investment Plan totaling about $1.9 billion, of which roughly $793.1 million is included in the proposed FY25-26 tentative budget. The budget proposes 191 new positions — 132 of those in public safety/fire rescue — increasing total county positions above prior peaks. Staff also noted allocation of about $68.4 million in one-time funds for capital project needs (public safety, transportation, recreation) and explained that general-fund operating reserves are funded at the policy maximum of 45 days. The budget continues a multi-year utility-rate plan through 2028 and includes a 4% salary increase for county employees starting Oct. 1, with no rise in participating employee health premiums for the fourth consecutive year.

Staff emphasized that the proposed budgets are balanced and that state statute requires reading certain figures into the record; the board voted to adopt the tentative budget as presented.