Lancaster County Administrator Presents FY26 Budget at Special Meeting

The Lancaster County Council held a special meeting on May 7, 2025, primarily to receive the County Administrator’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The proposed budget totals $159.7 million across all county funds, including $102.4 million for the General Fund. It maintains a no-increase operating millage while funding 28 new positions, a 5% salary increase for all employees, and a raise in minimum pay to $15/hour. The budget addresses growth-related challenges, enhances services, and includes a $4.8 million fund balance appropriation.

Meeting Proceedings and Actions by Agenda Item:

1. Call to Order and Opening Procedures
Chairman Brian Carnes called the meeting to order, confirmed quorum presence, and stated proper public notice had been given. Council Member Charlene McGriff led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was unanimously approved.

2. Presentation of FY2025-2026 Budget Recommendation
County Administrator Dennis Marstall presented the recommended budget, supported by CFO Sabrena Harris and Budget Director Jamie Privuznak. Key budgetary elements and priorities included:

Budget Overview:

• Total Recommended Budget: $159.7 million across 16 funds

• General Fund Budget: $102.4 million (up from $90.7 million in FY25)

• No increase in operating millage; one adjustment for debt service from 6.0 to 7.2 mils due to scheduled payments

• Revenue Growth: $6.96 million increase, including gains in property taxes, vehicle taxes, building permits, and interest income

• Unassigned Fund Balance Used: $4.8 million

Staff Compensation & Investments:

• 5% across-the-board salary increase for full- and part-time employees

• Minimum wage increase to $15/hour

• $475,000 for a Christmas supplement

• Pay adjustments for 17 existing positions, including public safety and technical roles

• 28 new full-time positions proposed across multiple departments

Public Safety Enhancements:

• Funding for new firefighters, EMTs, and sheriff’s personnel

• Continued investment in violent crime investigation and detention operations

• Sheriff’s department to receive additional vehicles, body-worn cameras, and mental health contract funding

Departmental and Infrastructure Investments:

• Major allocations for IT upgrades, maintenance equipment, and county facility repairs

• $1.88 million investment in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software implementation

• CIP funding for projects like EMS Station 3 and Indian Land Fire Station 3 (total CIP proposal: $29.7 million)

Fee Schedule Updates:

• Increased fees across departments to reflect rising service costs

• New and revised Parks and Recreation rental rates

• Probate, Clerk of Court, and Emergency Management fees updated

Minor Fund Highlights:

• Stormwater Fund increased for Black Horse Run and Henry Harris Culvert projects

• Capital Project Sales Tax Fund reduced due to project phasing

• Van Wyck Fire District fee increase from $90 to $180/unit

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Adjustments:

• Prioritized ERP, EMS/fire station expansions, and critical maintenance projects

• Revised plan includes 72 projects totaling $358.3 million over ten years

3. Council Discussion:
Council members inquired about specific revenue figures and fund balance projections. Staff clarified growth-based revenue expectations and reassessment impacts. Council acknowledged the effort to balance rising service demands without increasing the general millage rate.

4. Adjournment:
The meeting concluded after council received and discussed the budget. No final vote was taken during this session; further readings and a public hearing are scheduled for later in May and June.