The Ware County Commission’s Fiscal year 2026-27 proposed budget reflects spending a plan that shows rising operational costs, continued investment in public safety, and major infrastructure commitments.
The $54,699,600 proposal is approximately $4.1 million more than this year’s ledger.
It was noted commissioners leaned to not taking the rollback on millage rates and possibly raising taxes to start building an emergency fund.
The proposal covers all county funds, including the General Fund, SPLOST programs, E-911, the Airport Fund, and the Health and Workers Compensation funds.
A called meeting is scheduled at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 25, for commissioners to consider and approve the budget. The meeting is open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend as the county prepares for what officials describe as a challenging, but promising fiscal year.
General Fund: Revenues expenses rise
The General Fund, the county’s primary operating accounts, projected at $34,620,920, up from $32.4 million in FY26.
Taxes remain the backbone of county revenue, generating $28.1 million, or more than 80 percent of the fund. Charges for services contribute nearly $4 million, while fines, permits, and investment income make up the remainder.
“Budgeted revenues are estimated to increase (6.62%) from $32,426,722 to $34,572,070,” the presentation notes.
Where the Money Goes
Public safety continues to dominate county spending, accounting for $17.66 million, or roughly half of the General Fund.
The Ware County Sheriff’s Office and Jail alone total nearly $12 million.
Other major categories include:
• General Government: $5.55 million;
• Judicial System: $4.14 million;
• Public Works: $3.12 million;
• Culture & Recreation: $1.94 million;
• Health & Welfare: $899,132;
• Housing and Development: $420,549.
The county also plans to transfer $795,511 to E-911 operations and $84,648 for airport operations.
Employee compensation, Health costs The FY27 plan includes a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for all employees. Health insurance costs are expected to rise 6.5%, driven by higherthan- normal claims. “Health Insurance claims ran high,” the notes noted. “This is the first time in several years we have not completed the FY within budgeted expense since going self-funded.”
SPLOST, TSPLOST: Major projects continue SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) 2023 remains a major money engine for capital improvements. Through May 2026, the county collected $27.1 million.
The largest single project is the Albany Avenue Overpass, with $12 million set aside and $276,085 already spent on engineering.
“This project is in the preliminary design phase,” it was noted, “and, we have spent approximately $276,085.40 on engineering/design.”
Other SPLOST-funded efforts include road upgrades, public safety equipment, recreation upgrades, and IT modernization.
Regional TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) supplies Ware County with about $125,000 per month in discretionary funds. Commissioners expressed concern about this tax and offered comments about letting this one expire.
Airport, E-911, and Health Funds
• Airport Operations: $922,223 budgeted, supported by fuel sales, hangar rentals, and a General Fund transfer.
• E-911: $1.37 million in operating costs, funded by state revenue and county support.
• Health Fund: $4.33 million, matching revenues and expenditures.
• Workers Compensation Fund: $487,950.
Challenges ahead
County officials caution inflation, fuel prices and rising utility costs could strain the budget. Training and non-essential purchases may be limited if revenues soften.
“Items needed to operate are more costly,” it was noted. “Fuel costs are going to be a major concern.”
Balanced budget, if revenues hold
The plan is balanced, with revenues matching expenditures. County leaders emphasize ongoing monitoring to ensure the budget stays on track.
“We will be monitoring revenues and expenditures throughout the year to stay within budget,” it was noted.
