The Sheriff’s request emerged as a focal point during the meeting. The Sheriff sought a 5% increase in budget to fund 10 new positions, six for patrol and four for corrections, citing a rise in the jail population and call volume, despite a decrease in crime rates. This request was met with concern from the council members, who questioned the sustainability of such an increase and its potential to cause a mass exodus of employees to neighboring counties due to financial constraints. The Sheriff pointed out increasing expenses, such as automobile liability insurance and health insurance, and stressed the need for additional personnel. In response, the council members sought clarification on the specific breakdown of the budget increase and discussed the lifespan of voting machines, anticipating future expenses for equipment replacement.

Another topic that garnered considerable attention was the millage rate. The council considered setting the maximum millage rate at 8.8441 and engaged in a thorough discussion about the timing of any potential millage rate decreases. Discussions revealed a projected $2 million deficit in the county’s healthcare system, which heightened concerns about the impact of any reduction in the millage rate. A member highlighted the need for careful consideration of the millage rate in light of previous decreases and the necessity to provide direction on the maximum millage rate for developing the tentative budget. The importance of coordination between departments to ensure a balanced budget was also emphasized.

The council members deliberated over pay raises for county personnel. One member proposed a 3% pay increase for the fiscal year 2025, while another suggested a range of 3.6% to 4.1% to match the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Discussions also touched on the effect of health insurance premiums on employees’ net pay and the financial strain on the county. Additionally, the anticipated impact of People One, a healthcare initiative set to launch in July, on reducing healthcare costs was debated. While the initiative was expected to lead to savings and a reduction in healthcare claims costs related to chronic conditions, the council recognized the uncertainty surrounding the actual outcomes of People One.

The council also addressed the impact of increasing health care contribution rates from 3% to 4%. A 4% contribution rate was estimated to cost the county $227,000 across all funds, with a lower impact on the general fund, about $100,000. A council member voiced concern over promising a higher rate than could be sustained, while another advocated for improving health care for county employees. The budget allocation for constitutional officers was another topic of discussion, with some council members recommending adherence to established percentages and others debating the merits of allocating funds based on the officers’ requests. The necessity of providing accurate budget information to constitutional officers earlier in the process for better planning was also discussed.

During the budget development workshop, the board weighed concerns regarding the impact of year-end numbers on reserve funds and the need for a true-up for fund balances. Discussions arose about the appropriate level of reserves, with one member highlighting the difference between the state requirement of 10% and the 16% recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association. Additionally, the council considered the influence of grant funding on reserve calculations and the need for conservative allocation of reserve dollars until true numbers were available. Potential cost increases from external agencies, such as a 21% increase in the sheriff’s matching fund for Medicaid, were also discussed.

In a separate discussion, the council praised the budget officer’s decision to budget at 96% of ad valorem revenues, acknowledging historical collection rates and the critical nature of precise budgeting. Commissioner Turner inquired about the current fiscal year’s approved budget and projected payroll expenses, particularly concerning personnel and the fire rescue divisions. The council highlighted the importance of accurate year-end numbers before making decisions on millage rate reduction and addressing health insurance expenses.

The chair underscored the need for the clerk’s financial data to be factored into the budget process.