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efferson County residents can expect a slight increase in real estate taxes next year due to the proposed 2025 budget. According to Jessica Park, chief financial officer for the county, total projected expenditures for 2025 amount to $36,354,622, representing only a 0.7 percent increase from actual expenditures in 2023 and a 5 percent rise from amounts budgeted for 2024.

    To meet these needs, the proposed budget includes a 1 mill increase in real estate taxes, from 12.5 to 13.5 mills. This translates to an additional $100 in taxes per every $100,000 of assessed property value. Commissioner Scott North explained that this increase is necessary due to rising costs, including double-digit increases in health care plans and other expenses.

    The county's largest source of income comes from grants revenue, primarily for human services line items. Next year, the 911 center is budgeted to receive over $2.2 million in grants, including an LSA grant for the replacement of the Snyder Hill tower. This upgrade will provide emergency communications for southern Jefferson County and broadband.

    The proposed budget also allocates funds for employee salaries, wages, and benefits, which account for 36 percent of total expenses. Additionally, it includes annual wage increases as defined by collective bargaining agreements and a payment of $1.23 million on the county's outstanding debt service.

    To balance the budget, the county plans to use fund balance from prior years in the amount of $1,051,369. This strategic move aims to address deficits in specific funds, such as the 911 fund, while maintaining a healthy overall fund balance.

    The 2025 tentative budget will remain on public display for 20 days before being adopted at the Dec. 17 meeting of the commissioners.