2027 Budget Adoption Meeting

The Hamilton County Council’s October 19, 2026 meeting focused on adopting the 2027 county budget and related ordinances. The council accepted the 2027 hourly pay scale, payroll schedule, and meeting dates; approved contracts for the Clerk and County Surveyor; and adopted budget-related measures, including county tax-rate, airport authority, and solid waste district items. It also approved a general part-time hourly rate of $19, continued deferred compensation at 5%, set the 2027 mileage reimbursement rate at the federal rate of 76 cents, and approved meal reimbursement under the county handbook. A salary-related ordinance was amended and then adopted following discussion; the transcript does not clearly establish the final salary terms.

The council approved additional appropriations of $300,000 for Building and Grounds, $500,000 for Emergency Operations (fund 1235-2518), and $1.4 million for County Highway, as well as a $50,000 Building and Grounds transfer. Members also previewed a possible additional contribution of about $200,000 for an unspecified project, potentially to complete it at once; no formal action on that amount was recorded. Votes on the listed appropriations and transfer passed. The meeting also approved the Hamilton County Reporter’s 2027 expenses from its perpetuation fund.