Jeff Mason

Board Of Supervisors Special Meeting

The meeting served as the second round of budget hearings, following presentations that set the stage for significant fiscal challenges projected for 2027, stemming from the potential expiration of the jail excise tax, the cessation of ARPA funding, and general economic uncertainty. The Treasurer's office presented its Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, which included no above-baseline funding requests, focusing instead on maintaining baselines for the general fund and taxpayer information fund operations. A discussion on software support and licenses highlighted the recent launch of the MCTis property tax and accounting system and the planned implementation of Cogability AI software to reduce undeliverable tax bill mailing addresses. The Treasurer also detailed management of the investment portfolio, noting substantial growth in interest earnings due to active management. A significant portion of the discussion involved the Kazmir implementation appropriation, addressing the carry forward of funds related to stale-dated checks stemming from the court decision, totaling approximately $60.5 million in uncashed instruments, and the complex process of reissuing or lapsing these funds. Other topics included the positive outcome of an internal audit review of disbursements and reconciliation, and monitoring the court case Sirly v. Allen regarding excess proceeds from lien sales.