Administrator Reports on State Funding, County Budget

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – In her Administrator’s Report at the March County Board of Commissioners meeting, Lori Phelps began with the State Funding and County Budget outlook.

“Budget negotiations are advancing for the 2026-27 budget,” Phelps said. “Proposals are suggesting no increase for county revenue sharing, which continues to lag behind inflation. There is discussion about expanding funds for rural law enforcement, and jail operations support – we’ll take it.”

Phelps noted the state is once again considering limiting local control over short-term rental ordinances, and assured commissioners she would stay on top of that issue and keep them posted.

“House Bill 5711 was introduced by Rep. Pat Outman, which would repeal the 100% clean energy standards by 2040 that was put into effect in 2023,” Phelps said. “And it would walk back the energy reform.”

She reminded that last May the wind and solar bill passed the House but stalled and was still sitting in the Senate.

“We are seeing a significant increase in federal and state compliance and reporting requirements,” Phelps said. “Which is not a bad thing, but it’s very time consuming for us.” She noted counting up all the portals, passwords, dual authentications for the requirements, and tallied 32 that have to be accessed for all the different requirements. “It’s pretty extensive.”

Phelps also informed that a bill regarding property tax millage had passed recently out of the House and over to the Senate.

“When there’s a suggestion of a millage or a renewal that goes on the ballot, there are times when schools put it on a May ballot or August,” she said. “There’s a bill that passed the House that says all millages can only go on the November ballot for taxes.”

After inquiring if commissioners found her notes helpful, and being assured they are, Phelps closed out her report.

© Clare County Cleaver