By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Ellis County commissioners reviewed the third draft of the proposed 2027 budget Tuesday, making no formal changes but discussing possible revisions before the next version is presented for consideration next week.
The proposed budget remains just $5,221 above the county's 2026 budget after commissioners identified nearly $800,000 in reductions during budget workshops with department heads and elected officials last month. County Administrator Darin Myers said additional personnel changes expected before the Aug. 11 meeting could reduce the proposal below current spending levels, while commissioners also discussed making a small additional reduction if needed.
"If the true goal of the commission is to get us just under what the 2026 budget is, I will find a way to cut somewhere," Myers said. "Whatever department that may be, to get us under the budget and present it to you back next week."
Myers told commissioners the proposed budget reflects an estimated 7% increase in health insurance premiums and an 8% increase in property, vehicle and liability insurance costs while accounting for declining revenue from oil valuations and lower interest earnings.
He also noted the county expects about $300,000 less in interest revenue in 2027, while more than $425,000 in oil and gas depletion revenue must be removed from the budget after auditors directed the county to eliminate the fund by next year. Those losses, combined with changes to state law removing personal property taxes on items such as golf carts and boats, have shifted more of the tax burden to residential and commercial property owners, Myers said.
Despite those challenges, Myers said bond payments for previously approved county projects will not affect property taxes because those projects are being paid from reserve funds rather than property tax revenue.
"The property taxes are not being impacted by any of the projects that are part of that bond," Myers said. "Those bond payments are not in any of the budgeted funds. That is not paid for by property tax."
Commissioners also discussed delaying employee compensation adjustments to help control spending. Under the current proposal, employee step increases would move from January to April, while cost-of-living adjustments would shift from July to October. Myers said those changes would produce savings during the 2027 budget year while still allowing employees to receive the increases later in the year.
Myers said the proposed budget already reflects significant reductions, particularly when inflation is considered.
"We've already cut almost $800,000 of what was presented several weeks ago," Myers said.
Toward the end of the discussion, commissioners considered several options to reduce the proposed budget below the 2026 spending level. One proposal would increase the planned reduction to the Special Highway Fund from $200,000 to $210,000, while Myers said pending personnel changes could also lower the total budget before the fourth draft is presented. No action was taken Tuesday, and commissioners directed staff to continue refining the proposal before next week's meeting.
The fourth draft of the proposed budget is scheduled to be reviewed Aug. 11. Commissioners are expected to consider authorizing publication of the proposed budget Aug. 18 before holding the revenue-neutral rate hearing and adopting the 2027 budget Sept. 8.
In other business, Commissioners also welcomed two new county employees during Tuesday's meeting. Danita Trader, EMS Director, introduced Corbin Brown, who joined Ellis County EMS as a part-time employee.
Austin Schweidler, Assistant Communications Director, also introduced Emily Banks-Edgeman.