Commissioners Link Tentative Millage Increase to Fund Balance and Public Safety Bond Costs

During Thursday morning's millage public hearing, commissioners discussed why the board is considering a countywide rate of 13.139 mills after several years at or below the rollback rate.

One commissioner said the higher tentative rate would push the fund balance above the board's 25% policy target and could help the county secure a better interest rate when it bonds for a public safety complex. Another commissioner agreed the goals are rebuilding the fund balance and reducing borrowing costs on what could be a large public safety facility project.

Commissioners also noted the board has taken the rollback rate for at least four years and once set a rate below rollback. A commissioner said the tentative rate under review would still be lower than the countywide millage in 2020 and would match the 2023 rate for homesteaded property that has not changed.

No millage rate was adopted at the hearing. Final action is scheduled for the Oct. 13 meeting after the remaining public hearings.