BOC Special Called Meeting | May 18, 2026

The Henry County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on May 18, 2026, focused primarily on the presentation and discussion of the proposed FY2027 budget. The budget presentation highlighted a cautious approach due to economic uncertainties, including a potential 2% decrease in property tax revenue and rising costs. The total proposed budget is $294.2 million, representing a 2.2% increase from FY26, with $8.8 million of fund balance being used to balance the budget. Key procurement-related items included funding for capital improvement projects such as roof restorations at several county buildings totaling $4.4 million, additional personnel for the finance department, and increased funding for E-911 operations and insurance costs. The budget also proposed a 10% fee increase for many county services and addressed the need to restructure stormwater and DOT departments to reduce general fund subsidies. The board discussed the sustainability of enterprise funds like Stormwater and E-911, noting ongoing deficits and the need for future rate adjustments. Public comments and commissioner discussions touched on budget cuts to community events, take-home vehicle policies, and the importance of grant funding, including a recent $3 million grant for the Western Parallel Connector. The meeting concluded with plans to adopt the budget on May 19, 2026.