County Property Tax Base Grows to $30.5 Billion: The county’s net equalized assessed value (EAV) for the 2025 fiscal year reached $30.5 billion, finance officials reported during discussion of final levy figures. The total levy certified with the county clerk’s office came in at $157 million, slightly higher than the $156.4 million estimate approved in October. New property growth contributed $457 million to the tax base, up from an estimated $335 million.

Health Department Transfers Funds for Temporary Staff: The committee approved transferring funds within the Health Department’s budget to support temporary contracted staff while the department works to fill permanent positions. “We do have difficulty sometimes hiring full-time staff. So in the interim, we have brought on some temporary contractual individuals,” said Elizabeth Balada, Health Department representative. Once permanent staff are hired, the temporary workers will be released.

Suicide Prevention Grant Appropriated: The committee authorized appropriating grant funds in the Health Department budget for a suicide prevention program focused on first responders. The program provides training to police and fire departments, particularly smaller agencies that can’t afford to implement their own mental health resources. “These are individuals that maybe are smaller and can’t afford to implement some of their own behavioral health or mental health training,” a health department official explained.

Respiratory Surveillance Grant Funds Approved: Despite concerns about potential federal funding cuts, the committee approved appropriating grant funds for the Health Department’s respiratory surveillance program. The program, which monitors and responds to respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, RSV, and flu, employs communicable disease investigators who also track other disease outbreaks. The grant supports surveillance, prevention, and outbreak response initiatives.

Pathways to Professions Sponsorship Funds Appropriated: The committee authorized appropriating sponsorship funds for the Workforce Services Department’s Pathways to Professions program. The funds, provided by private organizations supporting the workforce development initiative, will supplement the department’s budget for the program, which has already held events this year.

Final 2024 Levy Numbers Approved: The committee approved the final 2024 property tax levy numbers that will fund the 2025 fiscal year budget. The county’s limiting tax rate was set at 0.5145%, including a supplemental tax, while the Community Mental Health Board’s final rate is 0.0263%. The committee’s action formally accepted the certified levy figures, which had already been filed with the county clerk.