November Update: County Newsletter
Happy Holiday season folks,
I hope everyone is looking forward to slowing down and enjoying the next few months of a moderate break. I’m coming off of a very intense teaching term and looking forward to a bit of a break.
November at the County Board mostly centered around passing the budget that we deliberated about in October. I spent a lot of time in my last newsletter going over highlights of the proposed budget, and there were not too many modifications, so please feel free to reference October’s newsletter to get a better idea of the specifics included in the budget. I’ll review just a bit of summary:
The general purpose levy that comes out of the budget was a 2.96% increase from 2025
For context, the 20 years general purpose levy averages about 2.49% increase
How that would impact you: taxes paid on a home valued at $100,00 is a $3.23 increase; for a median home of about $300,000, it would be about a $9.70 increase
It is a pretty moderate increase, reflecting a discerning budget process
Some material operating expenditure changes include: county personnel expense increase (some Sheriff’s Office overtime and wellness program), medical dental and food supplies for the jail, IT data processing cost expenditure increase, debt service increase, the County’s share of Joint Services increasing, and a decrease in Human Services placements.
Some material operating revenue changes include: Sales tax revenue increase, state shared revenue increase, federal inmate housing revenue decrease, the County’s portion of the City contribution for the Health Division increase, investment income revenue decrease, and ARPA revenues expiring
Finally, I am just going to list some of the Capital Improvement Projects; overall accounting for $23.6 million in bonding for $41.3 million capital expenditures with $17.7 million funded with grants, intergovernmental revenue, and reserves
South Pike River Restoration legacy project through Planning and Development Division
Various highway projects
The Ceremonial Courtroom restoration legacy project through the Facilities Division
The Kemper shoreline restoration project through the Parks Division
IT expenditures for various county-wide projects: particularly infrastructure and technology lifecycle refresh
Projects in the Golf Division (that are all funded by reserves from Golf)
Sheriff’s Office expenditures (in particular, updating body cameras and vehicle cameras to allow for ease of access for evidence and increased transparency and safety)
The only other notable change that came in during budget hearings was an extra $20,000 was allocated to the Sharing Center and Shalom Center (SHARES community program) from an excess in revenues from the Circuit Court budget that came to the attention of the finance committee during budget hearings. These hearings, while a bit tedious, are very necessary to be able to identify opportunities like this, where funds can be moved to where they can help bolster necessary services in the community. I appreciate Supervisor Kirby’s keen attention and quick action on this resolution.
The rest of the month was relatively quiet, as I anticipate December will be. Apart from the occasional appointment or ordinance resolution, there is no big county business on the horizon until the new year. Most of us are winding down the year and preparing for campaign season, which is coming quickly. On that note, I would like to announce that I will be running for reelection in 2026, and if anyone is interested in getting involved with the campaign, please feel free to reach out to me. My campaign e-mail address is friendsofstephanieknezz@gmail.com, or you can use any of my other contact information that is available on the county website.
In particular, if you live in my district, I will be circulating nomination papers in December, and I would love to get anyone’s signature who is willing to give it. These papers are due at the beginning of January and I need at least 100 valid signatures to get my name on the ballot. Just a reminder that a signature on nomination papers is not an endorsement! You have all of campaign season to decide how you want to vote. Anyone who wants a sheet to collect signatures from your neighbors, please reach out to me and I am happy to oblige. I am always so grateful for everyone who took a chance on a fresh, new elected official, and I continue to be humbled by everyone’s support. Have a great holiday, and I will talk to you in the new year.
Links:
County Board Public Hearing & Annual Meeting (Nov. 4): https://www.youtube.com/live/gFV8n1XX23I?si=VlKWXHskt6VSERVw
County Board Meeting (passing the budget, Nov. 5): https://www.youtube.com/live/WL-b6Q_gTuM?si=9okdkIuRMpJBDA9W
County Board Committee of the Whole (presentation on AXON Body Cameras, Nov. 10): https://www.youtube.com/live/zLexTkerszI?si=TAiwzrq_rMy4Ml4T
County Board Meeting (Nov. 18): https://www.youtube.com/live/-9niL_drSVk?si=DhMHqxd-b4r9uKt5