The Floyd County Commission held its first public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget Monday evening. County staff began work on the plan in August and have since held several work sessions and individual meetings with commissioners.
Revenue for 2026 is projected at about $81.49 million, based on a five-percent increase in the tax digest and a 2.3-percent rise in sales tax collections. Public safety remains the county’s largest expense, accounting for just over half of all spending and increasing by about 3.4 percent. Judicial and general government costs are also expected to rise.
Transfers out total a little over $6 million. Earlier drafts showed a deficit of roughly $29,000, but recent adjustments recommended by commissioners are expected to bring the budget to at least break-even by next week.
The fire fund faces a gap as well, with revenues of $11.3 million and expenses nearing $11.9 million. The shortfall is being covered with reserves for now, but a millage rate increase may need to be considered for 2026. Of 26 requested new positions, only one half-time role was approved.
Work on the capital budget is still underway. Another session is scheduled for Dec. 9, when commissioners are also expected to adopt the final budget.
During Monday’s special-called meeting, the commission held a two-hour workshop before the public hearing. Revenue for next year is currently estimated at $81.1 million, a seven-percent increase over 2025. About $29,000 still needs to be trimmed to fully balance the plan.
State law requires counties to adopt balanced budgets, and Floyd County’s spending continues to be driven largely by public safety, followed by general government and judicial services. Commissioners are working to align community expectations with the county’s financial limits.
