11-02-2026 Cole County Commission Meeting

The Cole County Commission meeting on November 2, 2026, included a presentation of the auditor’s proposed 2027 budget. The budget projects $67.4 million in revenue, up 3.5% from 2026, while operating expenses are projected to rise faster than revenues; the auditor warned that reserves would decline. Capital items discussed included a $260,000 tandem-axle dump truck and $785,000 public works shop expansion; law-enforcement vehicles and equipment totaling about $413,000; and approximately $2.1 million in EMS capital projects, including about $1.3 million for South Ridge building improvements. The auditor also cited $11.9 million in capital outlays overall and urged longer-term planning for facility needs. These were budget proposals and projections, not final appropriations.

The commission tabled renewal of the unarmed security guard services contract for further discussion. A request to run a sole-source advertisement for Apex Software was presented on the basis that it is the only software compatible with DevNet; the transcript does not capture a formal vote. Commissioners also discussed setting aside funds for employee salary adjustments and asked staff to seek volunteers for a committee to develop recommendations for commission review. No capital contract award or final 2027 budget approval was recorded.