2026.05.05 Board of Commissioners FY 26-27 Budget Public Hearing Meeting

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on May 5, 2026, to discuss the fiscal year 2027 budget. The budget presentation highlighted a balanced general fund budget of approximately $105.9 million with an overall 1.95% increase. Key procurement-related points included funding for new positions, a 3% cost of living increase for employees, and an increase in medical plan contributions. The county plans to add an additional ambulance service with an increased contract to GoldCross. The budget also reflects a strategic shift in funding Roads and Bridges fully through the Insurance Premium Tax Fund (IPTF). The board intends to lower the millage rate for the tenth consecutive year, aiming to reduce property tax dependency, currently about 42%, with $25 million of that from homestead property taxes. The county received an $8.4 million reimbursement from the development authority related to the Wyandotte Industrial Park, which the board plans to return to taxpayers pending legislative approval. The budget calendar includes advertisement on May 15 and adoption on June 2, 2026. No public comments were made during the hearing.