Gordon County leaders have unveiled a proposed $90.8 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27, highlighting continued investments in public safety, infrastructure improvements, and employee retention while aiming to maintain one of the lowest property tax rates the county has seen in more than a decade.
The proposed balanced budget totals $90,784,221, with spending divided among the county’s general fund, special revenue funds, enterprise funds, and capital project funds. The largest share, $52.7 million, is allocated to general fund operations, which support essential services including law enforcement, courts, public works, and community programs.
County officials say the budget reflects Gordon County’s continued financial stability despite ongoing pressures from inflation, rising healthcare costs, and increased competition for workers.
“This budget has been designed conservatively to meet the needs for providing essential government services while maintaining a sound financial position without raising the millage rate,” county officials wrote in the budget document.
Employee Raises Included
A key component of the budget is a 4% pay increase for county employees, intended to help the county attract and retain workers amid a competitive labor market. Personnel costs account for the largest share of county expenditures at 44%.
The county is also keeping employee contributions for base-level health insurance unchanged.
Public Safety Tops Spending Priorities
Public safety remains the county’s largest general fund expenditure category, making up 38% of the general fund budget.
The Sheriff’s Office is slated to receive $11.5 million, an increase of more than $1 million from the current year, while the county jail budget rises to $7.5 million.
The Fire Fund will grow to $7.53 million, supporting staffing and equipment needs as the county works to fully staff its fire department.
Major Infrastructure and Capital Projects Planned
The county is continuing to rely heavily on SPLOST revenues to fund large-scale capital projects, with nearly $17.4 million in planned capital outlay expenditures.
Projects funded through the remaining 2018 SPLOST and current 2024 SPLOST include:
- Completion of the Salem Road Bridge project
- Continued work on Boone Ford Road
- Construction of a new county morgue
- Construction of the Sugar Valley Community Center and Fire Station
- Removal of the county skate park and installation of outdoor basketball and pickleball courts
- Replacement of the playground at Ooky Faith Park
- Road paving and culvert improvements
- Continued installation of fire hydrants
- Purchase of sheriff patrol vehicles and county equipment
Tax Rate May Stay Flat
County leaders say continued growth in property values, steady sales tax collections, and conservative spending have allowed Gordon County to maintain a historically low millage rate of 9.042, down from 9.515 in 2022. Officials hope to keep the tax rate near that level when it is set later this year.
The county also expects new revenue from the recently approved Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST), which will generate more than $9.3 million in the upcoming fiscal year and could further reduce pressure on property taxes.
Growth Driving Demand
Officials noted that residential development remains strong throughout Gordon County, while interest in industrial and manufacturing projects continues to rise.
“While growth is welcome, local leadership is already under pressure to address the increasing need for government services,” the budget document states, citing needs for road improvements, firefighting equipment, land-use planning, and additional personnel.
The Gordon County Board of Commissioners is expected to formally consider adoption of the FY27 budget following a public hearing in June.
