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Ellis County presents first draft of 2027 budget showing $200,000 gap; mill levy held near 38.118
Summary
County administrator presented the first draft of the 2027 budget showing projected additional revenues just under $500,000 and projected expenses just over $700,000, leaving about a $200,000 gap; staff discussed potential transfers, salary adjustments and next review steps in July and September.
County administrator Darren Myers presented the first draft of the 2027 budget, outlining revenue and expense estimates and next steps in the budget schedule.
Myers said the draft shows roughly $500,000 more in projected revenues (from fees, sales tax and other sources) and just over $700,000 in projected expenses, leaving an approximate $200,000 shortfall at this stage. He told commissioners the current mill levy is 38.118 mills and that Ellis County’s unencumbered cash rollover to start the 2027 budget year is about $4,580,000 per the recent audit.
Myers identified several budget drivers and adjustments: an estimated 7% increase in health‑insurance costs (final renewal figures come in later), salary/step adjustments included in the draft, a $1,600,000 transfer to fund 78 for road and bridge projects, and continued funding for a 0.25 county assistant attorney position and a paralegal. He outlined the schedule for a second draft in early July, all‑day budget sessions in mid‑July, further adjustments through August and final adoption in September with a revenue‑neutral-rate hearing if the commission elects to exceed it.
Commissioners asked about how one‑time project payments from the Tallgrass agreement would be treated; staff said those funds are not budgetary now because most payments are years away but noted an initial $200,000 grant tied to the road‑use agreement would be due earlier and could be discussed when received.
