Stephens County commissioners adopt FY2027 budget, then set 2026 millage rate

At a January 2026 retreat, Chairman Rickman asked staff to build the FY27 budget around a full millage rollback for county residents.

In April, the Board of Commissioners held a two-day budget retreat, reviewing department-by-department budgets — including 911/EMA/Rescue, Fire, Public Works, Sheriff, Jail, Tax Commissioner and the courts — and working with staff toward a balanced FY2027 budget.

The proposed FY2027 budget released in May called for a $24,669,218 General Fund (up 5.82%) and a $55,133,988 total government-wide budget (up 32.81%), with a 3% merit pay increase for employees. The document set June 23, 2026 as the target adoption date.

Commissioners held a first reading and public hearing on the budget June 9, then a second reading and public hearing June 23, when they unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on a motion by Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Wright.

On August 14, the board unanimously adopted the 2026 county millage rate along with the Stephens County Board of Education's recommended millage rate and the 2026 tax levy, setting the unincorporated county rate at 9.956 mills and the school board rate at 12.795 mills.