Greene County approves $262 million budget that includes raises for employees

Greene County approved a nearly $262 million 2026 budget that includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and a 1.5% mid-year merit step for eligible employees. The plan counts on $223.9 million in revenues plus $36.7 million in fund balances and includes the final $10.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Greene County Commission on Jan. 9 approved a nearly $262 million budget for 2026 that allocates more than 42% of spending to personnel costs. The plan anticipates $223.9 million in revenues and relies on $36.7 million from fund balances to reach a balanced budget. Budget Officer Jeff Scott said this is the first time in at least 10 years the county is budgeting to build the general fund cash balance by roughly $40,000. The budget also includes the final $10.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for projects with remaining balances. Key details: - The approved total is nearly $262 million, with about 72% of revenues coming from taxes and total expenditures for 2026 about $3.3 million higher than 2025. - Employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and eligible staff a 1.5% mid-year merit step; the budget places the county minimum pay at $16.68 an hour. - Full-time county positions declined by five compared with 2025, and some departments saw increased appropriations while others had requests unmet. - The Greene County Sheriff's Office budget rose by roughly $4 million, driven largely by personnel cost increases, a reduction in vacancy estimates, and higher overtime and operational costs related to the jail. - County leaders reported $8.6 million in unmet budget requests entering 2026, including about $4.1 million from the Sheriff's Office and more than $4.2 million from other commission requests. - Remaining ARPA balances include roughly $2.7 million for Burrell Behavioral Health's Youth Resiliency Campus, nearly $3.3 million for the Sankofa housing and business incubator project, and about $2.6 million tied to county projects such as HVAC work. Summary: The budget raises employee pay while reallocating funds that delay some equipment and vehicle replacements, and it directs remaining ARPA dollars to ongoing projects. Undetermined at this time.