Dade County FY 2027 Budget Process Moves Forward as Public Hearing Approaches

Dade County officials are continuing work on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget as commissioners prepare for public review and final adoption before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

According to information released by Dade County Government, development of the FY 2027 budget began in March as County Executive Don Townsend, Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Jones, and county staff gathered departmental requests, reviewed operational needs, analyzed expenditures, and evaluated revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year.

Budget meetings were held between May 4 and June 4 and were open to members of the Board of Commissioners as county departments presented funding requests and discussed anticipated expenses and revenues.

During the June 4 regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners, Jones presented the first draft of the proposed budget and emphasized that it remains a working document that will continue to be refined as additional financial information becomes available.

Based on current projections, the draft budget reflects an estimated deficit of approximately $700,000. County officials say much of the projected shortfall is the result of a 21 percent increase in employee health insurance costs, along with rising fuel expenses and increased costs for contracted services.

Commissioners will continue reviewing revenue projections, expenditure estimates, and budget recommendations over the coming weeks. Officials have also been offered the opportunity to request an additional budget work session before the upcoming public hearing. Any additional work session would be for discussion and review purposes only, with no official votes or action taken.

The next major step in the process will be a Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of the FY 2027 Budget, scheduled for Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m. at the Dade County Administration Building. The hearing will provide residents an opportunity to review the proposed budget and offer public comments before commissioners consider final adoption.

A Special Called Meeting for final consideration and possible approval of the FY 2027 budget is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at 10:00 a.m. If approved, the new budget will take effect on July 1, 2026.

County officials encourage residents to review budget information, financial reports, and audit documents available through the county website and to participate in the upcoming public hearing. Citizens with questions about the budget process may contact the Dade County Administrative Office at 706-657-4625.

https://dadecounty-ga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3188/FY-2027-Budget-Summary—Proposed-06042026?bidId=

Proposed FY 2027 Budget Highlights

• Budget development began in March 2026.
• Draft budget currently projects a $700,000 deficit.
• Employee health insurance costs are projected to increase 21 percent.
• Public hearing scheduled for June 18 at 10 a.m.
• Final budget consideration scheduled for June 30 at 10 a.m.
• New fiscal year begins July 1, 2026.