The approved budget emphasizes public safety, which constitutes 45.78% of the total budget. Specific allocations include $78.9 million for the Sheriff’s office and $66.8 million for emergency services and fire rescue. The county will also continue its collaboration with the school district, funding school resource officers on a 50/50 basis to ensure the safety of students.

The County Administrator highlighted the tax roll increase of 10.3% countywide, with a 10% rise in the unincorporated areas. Additionally, this year marks the first year of the environmentally sensitive land acquisition bonds.

The budget also includes the implementation of a compensation study with a total cost of $8.7 million and a $1.2 million increase in retirement rates, excluding constitutional officers. The plan for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) is now fully funded, contributing to savings of over half a million dollars. A $1.1 million increase in workers’ compensation across the county was also noted. Furthermore, 37 new full-time positions will be added, with an additional 1.9 for constitutional officers, totaling an increase of 38.9 positions.

During the public comment period, a representative from the Taxpayers Association expressed full support for the budget, commending the collaborative efforts between the County Administrator, the council chair, and other key officials. The representative acknowledged the budget’s accommodation for inflation and its ability to maintain consistent aggregate millage rates despite the new land acquisition bonds.

Following this, the council approved the proposed millage rate of 3.5475, a 7.77% increase above the rollback rate of 3.2918. The general fund’s proposed budget stands at $145 million.

The meeting proceeded to approve the Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) budget, the transportation fund, and the emergency services district fund. The MSTU budget was set at $54.368 million with a millage rate of 1.1156, a 7.24% increase over the rollback rate. The transportation fund was approved with a budget of $25.881 million. The emergency services district fund’s budget was set at $66.8 million with a millage rate of 2.3531, a 7.31% increase over the rollback rate.

The council also approved the land acquisition bonds for environmentally sensitive land, with a proposed budget of $1.778 million and a millage rate of 0.639. Additionally, the Solid Waste Disposal District budget was set at $27.485 million, including specific charges for residential and commercial waste generation units and readiness-to-use fees.

Finally, the council addressed various non-ad valorem assessments for different districts, approving the respective charges and budgets. These included assessments for stormwater management, water districts, and street lighting.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments from the County Administrator and council members, thanking the staff for their hard work and dedication in preparing the budget and ensuring the efficient provision of services to the community. The newly appointed County Attorney was also recognized and welcomed.