County Commissioners approve 2025 budget

By Amanda Carter, M.A., Office of Media & EngagementThe Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners has approved a $389.7 million County Budget for 2025 following a unanimous decision at the December 12 public meeting.To ensure the County’s financial health, the 2025 budget prioritizes core services and strategic investments amid a complex fiscal landscape, marked by the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds, slower revenue growth, and inflation. The 2025 Approved Budget is lower than the 2024 budget by about $6 million primarily due to nonrecurring expenses in capital and the cost of running the presidential election in 2024. Commissioners are maintaining essential services, finding ways to transition critical ARPA programs to alternative funding sources, while also investing in our growing economy through infrastructure and technology.Key points of the 2025 Budget: Transitioning Targeted ARPA Programs: Hamilton County is strategically utilizing the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address critical needs and ensure program sustainability. Key ARPA-funded initiatives that will continue into 2025 include: affordable housing and home repair; mental health and crisis services; economic development; workforce development / job creation; and childcare.In addition, the County is transitioning several popular and impactful ARPA-funded programs to sustainable funding sources such as...