Officials urge budget line for frequent data requests as preliminary levy set

County staff opened the board's work session by presenting department budgets and urging the commissioners to plan for recurring data‑request costs.

"As an example, Tina, you know how many data requests I've gotten since the primary election. I think I've gotten about 8 or 9 of them, and this morning, I just had 3 more," a staff member said, asking the budget committee to consider adding a standing line item in 2027 for data‑request work and outside counsel costs.

The presentation framed the request as part of broader adjustments across many departments: staff said new service agreements for county buildings, added personal equipment lines and a proposed veteran‑services position all contributed to the 2027 preliminary figures. The county estimated about $13.8 million in non‑levy revenues and roughly $23 million in expenditures, with highways and capital projects accounting for most of the demand.

Commissioners discussed which items should be included in the preliminary levy versus paid from reserves, noting wage contract obligations and a recent wage study made forecasting simpler than prior years. No final levy decision was made at the meeting; the auditor and budget staff said numbers could shift before the board sets the preliminary levy at a later meeting.