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County reports stronger-than-expected General Fund revenue in first half of 2026
Summary
Budget Director Bart Hampson reported General Fund revenues of $42.8 million through June 2026, up $5.2 million from 2025, driven by property and sales tax growth and improved fees; expenditures totaled $35.0 million, a 3.8% decrease from the prior year.
Budget Director Bart Hampson presented the county's midyear fiscal picture, reporting General Fund revenues of $42.8 million for the first half of 2026, an increase of $5.2 million from the same period in 2025. He attributed the growth to higher property tax collections, increased sales tax receipts, greater fees for services, stronger conveyance fees, higher investment earnings and steady jail rental income from a federal contract.
Hampson said General Fund expenditures for the period were $35.0 million, a decrease of roughly $1.4 million (3.8%) from the prior year, noting the lowering effect primarily came from reduced transfers for capital projects even as personnel and fringe-benefit costs rose. He reviewed next steps in the 2027 budget process, including Level 3 General Fund submissions due Aug. 27 and Level 4 submissions due Dec. 1.
Commissioner Jeff Fix asked whether jail contracts were counted in the 'fees and services' category; Hampson confirmed they were but said receipts have decreased except for federal contracts. County Administrator Aundrea Cordle added that jurisdictions with jail rental contracts have either built their own facilities or rent from other facilities, and that first-half figures were preliminary.
The Board thanked Hampson for the update and noted that these midyear trends will inform the fall and winter budget-work schedule.
