BOCC Meeting September 8, 2026

The Putnam County Board of County Commissioners held a budget development meeting on September 8, 2026, focusing primarily on the tentative fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of the Better Place Plan fund projects, which allocated approximately 60% of recurring revenues to road resurfacing and transportation projects, along with funding for veteran services IT renovation and park athletic complex completions. The board also reviewed and approved the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal year 2027, which is primarily funded from reserves except for the solid waste and fire funds. The fire fund millage was increased to 1.4 mills to cover operational costs and capital purchases, including ambulance and fire truck replacements. The board discussed the impact of Senate Bill 4 requiring a 10% budget reduction in the next fiscal year and the potential effects of Amendment 3 on property tax revenues. After deliberation, the board approved the general fund millage rate at 8.7418 mills, the fire fund millage at 1.4 mills, and the aggregate millage rate of 9.9739 mills, all higher than the rollback rates. The total tentative budget was adopted at approximately $308 million. Commissioners emphasized the challenges posed by rising costs, aging infrastructure, and potential state-imposed revenue reductions, while affirming their commitment to maintaining services and prudent fiscal management.