Geary County Commission Reviews 2027 Budget Proposals With Mill Rate Increases Across Multiple Work Sessions
Geary County Commissioners spent much of the past two weeks in budget work sessions reviewing proposed 2027 spending plans that would raise the property tax mill rate. No final budget decisions have been recorded — all meetings were agenda-only with minutes not yet published — but the proposals under discussion outline significant changes to county finances.
2027 Budget Proposals
The Commission held three budget work sessions between July 8 and July 16, each reviewing different elements of the proposed 2027 budget.
At the July 8 session, the Finance Director presented a proposed General Fund mill levy of 64.124, which exceeds the revenue-neutral rate. Proposed 2027 General Fund expenditures total $33,434,247. Other proposed budgets included Fire District #1 at $548,045 with a 7.930 mill levy, Water District #2 at $68,556, Sewer District #4 at $244,279, and the Dorothy Bramloge Library at $130,000.
A July 14 work session examined changes that would raise the required mill rate by 5.603 mills, representing a $732,923 decrease in the revenue-neutral mill rate. That session also considered a 5% administration fee estimated at $52,822 for court trustees, VIN, 911, and Lake Patrol. Proposed revenue ideas included renting county buildings, meeting space, and equipment to outside agencies.
At the July 16 session, commissioners reviewed a proposed mill rate of 60.962, an increase of 4.661 mills over the 2026 budget. Adjustments included a $23,000 decrease in the transfer to Economic Development, an increase in the Health Department Fund transfer to $395,782, and a $40,000 increase in PILT funding. A proposed schedule change from a 37.5-hour to a 40-hour work week was removed from consideration.
The July 14 agenda noted a July 20, 2026 deadline to notify the County Clerk of intent to exceed the revenue-neutral requirement.
Department-Level Budget Changes
The July 14 session outlined specific department adjustments: the Attorney's office budget at $1,695,005, Emergency Management at $215,278, a schedule change in the Attorney's office adding $30,272, an Emergency Management job reclassification, and a Public Works wage adjustment. Appropriations were proposed to decrease by $392,777 and transfers/reserves by $325,000. A Silver-Haired Legislature appropriation was also added.
Courthouse Project and Other Business
The July 6 agenda included opening RFPs for the courthouse boiler room double door project, an Appropriation Resolution, EDC Resolution with EDC Board appointments, a Drunk Driving Prevention Program presentation, and a monthly financials report by the Finance Director. A public comment period was scheduled at noon.
2025 Audit Presentation
On July 13, the Commission's agenda included a presentation of the 2025 audit by James Gordon & Associates CPA, along with updates from the HR director and sheriff. No major decisions or public hearings were scheduled.
Coming Up
The Geary County Commission meets July 20 to review weekly updates from HR Director Crystal Malchose and a bi-weekly report from Public Works Superintendent Jeremie Myers. The meeting includes a closed executive session regarding non-elected personnel and a public comment period with five minutes allotted per person. This is also the deadline to notify the County Clerk of intent to exceed the revenue-neutral requirement for the 2027 budget.