The Madison County Commission approved its fiscal year 2027 budget last week, moving forward with spending plans that include increased revenue, significant public safety funding and continued work toward a new county courthouse.
County officials said projected general fund revenue is up about 7%, while revenue for the fund supporting public buildings, bridges, roads and much of the county’s operations is expected to increase about 8%. The budget also includes funding tied to the county’s long-term capital plans, including its courthouse project.
Commissioners approved the budget with a stipulation involving proposed salary increases for certain Level 1 and Level 2 employees. Funding for those increases will remain in the budget, but each salary adjustment must return to the commission for individual approval before taking effect.
The commission also approved an agreement with Goodwyn Mills Cawood for additional architectural work on the former federal courthouse at 101 Holmes Ave.
The county is currently estimating approximately $10 million in renovation costs for the building. Based on that estimate, Goodwyn Mills Cawood’s architectural fee is expected to be about $750,000. The final fee could change depending on the ultimate cost of the renovation.
Commissioners also renewed Madison County’s inmate health care agreement with Southern Health Partners. The new agreement includes a 4% increase over the previous year’s pricing and an additional mental health nurse funded through opioid settlement funds.
The annualized base cost of the agreement is approximately $3.74 million and covers an inmate population of up to 1,235. The county will pay additional per diem costs when the jail population exceeds that number.
Commissioners also approved a final change order for improvements at the Pettus Road and Nick Davis Road intersection. The $17,319.50 change brings the project’s final contract amount to approximately $1.07 million. The ARPA-funded project included intersection safety improvements and a new traffic signal.
The commission approved several residential developments as well, representing 195 lots across five subdivisions in Districts 1 and 4. Those include 31 lots in Southern Springs Phase 2, 39 in Martin Preserve, 11 in The Enclaves at Indian Creek, 39 in McMullen Gardens Phase 3 and 75 in Camden Place Phase 2.
The approved FY27 budget also eliminates the county’s government relations administrator position. The commission approved funding for the position only for the period necessary to meet the county’s personnel rules and required notification procedures before the position is eliminated. No explanation for eliminating the position was given during the meeting.
Got a tip for OTR? Send your tip to [email protected] with related photo/video, your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
