Budget Committee To Recommend Budget With No Property Tax Increase To Commission

The Jefferson County Budget Committee will send the proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget to the full body for approval with no property tax increase. Monday evening the Budget Committee voted unanimously to approve a budget proposal that utilizes a move of the equivalent of two property tax pennies that were previously designed for use in Debt Service to Sanitation to cover a $602,400 shortage largely resulting from equipment needs and an accounting transfer regarding tipping fees. A nearly $500,000 use of Highway Department fund balance and funds derived from the Wheel Tax split were used to cover Highway Department needs and Fire Department/Rescue Squad increases respectively. The remainder of the increases, including a charitable organization and a new Veteran’s Services Officer, were funded out of current fund balance.

Employees of Jefferson County will receive a 2.8% salary increase, with the Highway Department employees receiving a $2 increase to bring their salaries more in line with like positions. An increase of around $10,000 in the worth of the property tax penny, along with the use of fund balance and shifting of previously designated revenue, allowed the property tax rate to stay at $1.49 for the next fiscal year.

The budget proposal will presented to the Jefferson County Commission for approval before June 30th and the new fiscal year will begin on July1, 2026.