Sheridan County treasurer's FY27 budget approved by commissioners, salaries deferred

On May 18, 2026, the Sheridan County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the county treasurer's fiscal year 2027 requested budget for all operating categories except salaries and benefits, following a presentation by County Treasurer Katie Harris.

"Outside of salaries and benefits and any forthcoming adjustments, my fiscal year 27 requested budget did not increase from my fiscal year 26 adopted budget," Harris said, noting some line items were adjusted to reflect actual expenditures. She thanked her staff for being "budget conscious" while continuing to provide service to the public and said she supports employee increases "if feasible." The chair said any cost-of-living or salary decisions would be considered later in the overall budget process.

The chair reviewed line items during the discussion, noting no changes for contract labor, advertising, mileage, travel meals or office supplies, and a modest $75 increase for membership/tuition/dues. A commissioner asked about a small decrease in regular salaries; Harris and another commissioner explained the change was driven by staff turnover and hiring timing — the budgeted amount reflected the prior employee's salary while the new hire was paid at a lower rate.

After discussion, Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to approve "the treasury's budget on all categories except salaries and benefits," and that motion was seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote; the chair declared the motion carried. The meeting closed shortly after with the chair noting the time.

The commission deferred any decision on cost-of-living increases for county employees until later in the budget review process.