2026 - 2027 Budget Hearings - May 21, 2026

The RCTV Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee held a meeting on May 21, 2026, primarily focused on reviewing and approving the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Key procurement-related discussions included budget allocations for various county departments such as emergency management, health, sanitation, and public safety, as well as funding for numerous nonprofit organizations. The committee accepted the mayor's recommendations for most budget items, including capital needs for schools, circuit court judge expenses, and contributions to nonprofits like the Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club, and Salvation Army, with a motion passed to increase Red Cross funding from $2,500 to $5,000. The meeting also addressed hotel/motel tax distributions, particularly the Chamber of Commerce's automatic 15% allocation, and discussed the potential for future presentations and budget reviews. Additionally, the committee received updates on the property tax assessment process and its impact on the certified tax rate, emphasizing that no tax increase was proposed. The meeting concluded with plans for upcoming joint sessions to finalize the school budget and further budget amendments as needed.