Tuesday, January 13, 2026–8:30 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Floyd County Commission has approved the fiscal year 2026 budget.
“Total revenues for the general fund are $81,054,070, and expenditures are budgeted at $80,951,575, said Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord. “That did leave a surplus of $102,495. As I mentioned, the upcoming Special Election will take that surplus. Hopefully, we can still keep the budget balanced.”
The budget was developed with a stable property tax rate in mind while continuing to invest in employees and deliver major capital improvements through voter-approved SPLOST programs.
Challenges in 2026 include rising benefit and service costs, including an estimated $265,000 increase in health insurance costs, a $528,000 increase in pension costs, and a 5.25% increase in inmate medical services.
The budget funds a law enforcement co-responder program in partnership with Highland Rivers, supported through opioid-related funding, to strengthen coordinated response and connect individuals to needed services.
The budget also includes major SPLOST investments across the community:
The 2017 SPLOST continues funding for the Agriculture Center, completion of prison security upgrades, ongoing work at the Historic Courthouse, the Airport Corporate Hangar Project, and the Silver Creek Trail extension.
The 2023 SPLOST provides funding for T-hangar construction at the airport; public safety and public works capital equipment; and construction of a police training facility with secure parking and an evidence facility. The 2023 SPLOST also includes multiple transportation and recreation improvements, including Mango Road improvements, Chulio Road improvements, paving and infrastructure projects, and recreation projects at Alto Park and Etowah Park.
Also on Tuesday, the commission joined the Rome City Commission in placing new convenience store and gas station regulations on first reading.
A second reading, public hearing, and vote are expected during the county commission’s next meeting on January 27.
