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Board of Commissioners

Chatham County · Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 9:00 am · Agriculture & Conference Center

Regular meeting Budget and appropriationsBonds and debtEconomic development incentivesElections and districtsEnvironment and sustainabilityFire and EMSGrants and outside fundingHealth and human servicesHousing and affordabilityPolice and public safetySchools and education

Agenda document Minutes Meeting page Watch Meeting recap

What was decided

  1. Received 26-0001Review Ground Rules and Guidelines for Effective Meetings received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  2. Received 26-0002Review Roles and Expectations received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  3. Received 26-0003Review and Discuss the Goals & Priorities for FY2027 received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  4. Received 26-0004Receive an Overview of the Budget & Financial Policies received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  5. Received 26-0005Discuss Rules of Procedure received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  6. Received 26-0006Discuss Board of Commissioners Travel Policy and Budgeting received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  7. Received 26-0022Discuss Climate Change Retreat and Next Steps received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  8. Received 26-0007Discuss Affordable Housing Retreat received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  9. Received 26-0008Receive a presentation from Chatham County Schools received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  10. Received 26-0009Receive a presentation from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  11. Received 26-0010Receive a presentation from Chatham County Elections received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  12. Received 26-0011Receive a presentation from the Chatham County Health Department received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  13. Received 26-0012Receive a Human Resources update on Pay and Benefits received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  14. Approved 26-0013Receive an update on the Non-Profit Funding Process approved · Pass · A motion was made by Commissioner David Delaney, seconded by Vice Chair Franklin Gomez Flores, that the proposed transition to a biennial nonprofit funding appli…
  15. Received 26-0014Receive an update on General Obligation Bonds received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  16. Received 26-0015Receive an overview of the Chatham County Economic Development Policy received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  17. Received 26-0016Receive a presentation on Heads Up Items and a Collaboration Impact Team Update received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  18. Received 26-0017Receive a presentation on the Current Year Accomplishments received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  19. Received 26-0018Receive a presentation on Trends Affecting the FY27 Budget received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  20. Received 26-0021Receive a presentation on the expected conditions affecting the Fiscal Year 2027 budget received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  21. Received 26-0019Discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Provide Guidance to Staff received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.

Read from the agenda's recorded outcomes. Where the board published minutes, those are the record — this is a pointer to them.

What's on this agenda

This is Chatham County's annual three-day Board of Commissioners budget retreat, spanning January 6-8. Most of the agenda is informational: staff and department heads (Schools, Sheriff's Office, Elections, Health Department, HR) walk the Board through FY2027 budget projections and pressures, and the Board reviews ground rules, roles, rules of procedure, its FY2027 goals and priorities, travel policy, general obligation bond status, and the county's economic development incentive policy. The Climate Change and Affordable Housing advisory committees are also expected to have quorums present for their respective retreat discussion segments.

The one substantive vote recorded is the Board's approval of a shift to a biennial (every two years) nonprofit funding application process, carried on a motion by Commissioner Delaney. Nearly everything else was received and filed rather than voted on, consistent with a retreat format built around briefings and guidance to staff rather than formal action.

Summarized from the published agenda. Read the agenda itself before acting on it.

Meeting recap

What happened, drawn from the records published after the meeting. Minutes

Three days, no decisions, and one thing that matters: the guidance the board gave staff for building the FY2027 budget.

County Manager Bryan Thompson closed the retreat by asking the board what direction it wanted to give. The board asked staff to explore the feasibility and legal framework for county service districts or targeted funding mechanisms in specific areas; to keep affordable housing and childcare initiatives as priorities; to look for ways to strengthen or diversify revenue that does not come from the property tax; to develop several budget scenarios, including one holding current service levels with minimal tax impact; to consider extra public work sessions to make budget development more visible; and to set out the tradeoffs between service levels, spending and the tax rate. Avoiding a rate increase where possible came up in the discussion.

The background came from staff over the preceding two days. Budget analysts Erik Lindley and Rachel O'Neill put the county's population at about 85,000 and projected it past 100,000 around 2037, with growth concentrated among residents over 65 and the median age rising. Assistant County Manager Darrell Butts gave a half-year revenue picture: excise tax from the Register of Deeds well above projection on the strength of one large transaction, and inspection revenue down and below budget as development activity slows back toward normal after several years of major projects.

Butts also returned to general obligation bonds, which the board had asked about at its November capital improvement work session. He explained that GO bonds need both voter approval and Local Government Commission approval and normally carry the lowest interest rates, though the county's AAA rating narrows that advantage. Thompson said afterwards that staff would go to the advisory boards on next steps and timing.

Day two was presentations from the departments: the school system, the sheriff's office, elections, the health department, a human resources update on pay and benefits, the non-profit funding process, and economic development. Day one was the board's own housekeeping — ground rules, roles, rules of procedure, a travel policy, and scheduling separate retreats on climate change and on affordable housing.

How the votes went

The retreat took no substantive votes; every item was received and filed. The only two motions were procedural and both carried. Commissioner Karen Howard moved, seconded by Vice Chair Franklin Gomez Flores, to excuse Commissioner Katie Kenlan for the remainder of the meeting at noon on the third day, 5-0. Vice Chair Gomez Flores then moved, seconded by Commissioner David Delaney, to adjourn at 12.29pm, carried 4-0 with Commissioner Kenlan excused. All five commissioners were present: Chair Amanda Robertson, Vice Chair Gomez Flores, and Commissioners Delaney, Howard and Kenlan.

From the published minutes.

Speaking at this meeting

Chatham County's own rules for public comment — check them before you rely on anything here.

Jump to an item (38 on this agenda)
  1. Board of Commissioners Annual 3 Day Budget Retreat Day 1 - January 6,…
  2. CALL TO ORDER
  3. DAY 1 - BOARD PRIORITIES
  4. 26-0001Review Ground Rules and Guidelines for Effective Meetings
  5. 26-0002Review Roles and Expectations
  6. 26-0003Review and Discuss the Goals & Priorities for FY2027
  7. Recess - 10 minute break
  8. 26-0004Receive an Overview of the Budget & Financial Policies
  9. 26-0005Discuss Rules of Procedure
  10. Recess - Lunch Break
  11. 26-0006Discuss Board of Commissioners Travel Policy and Budgeting
  12. 26-0022Discuss Climate Change Retreat and Next Steps
  13. Recess - 10 minute break
  14. 26-0007Discuss Affordable Housing Retreat
  15. Recess - Anticipated End of Day 1
  16. DAY 2 - BOARD PRIORITIES CONTINUED
  17. 26-0008Receive a presentation from Chatham County Schools
  18. 26-0009Receive a presentation from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office
  19. Recess - 10 minute break
  20. 26-0010Receive a presentation from Chatham County Elections
  21. 26-0011Receive a presentation from the Chatham County Health Department
  22. Recess - Lunch Break
  23. 26-0012Receive a Human Resources update on Pay and Benefits
  24. 26-0013Receive an update on the Non-Profit Funding Process
  25. Recess - 10 minute break
  26. 26-0014Receive an update on General Obligation Bonds
  27. 26-0015Receive an overview of the Chatham County Economic Development Policy
  28. Recess - Anticipated End of Day 2
  29. DAY 3 - BOARD PRIORITIES CONTINUED
  30. 26-0016Receive a presentation on Heads Up Items and a Collaboration Impact T…
  31. 26-0017Receive a presentation on the Current Year Accomplishments
  32. Recess - 10 minute break
  33. 26-0018Receive a presentation on Trends Affecting the FY27 Budget
  34. 26-0021Receive a presentation on the expected conditions affecting the Fisca…
  35. Recess - Lunch Break
  36. 26-0019Discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Provide Guidance to Staff
  37. ADJOURNMENT
  38. Recess - 10 minute break

Agenda items (38)

Procedural · 16Presentation · 12Discussion item · 6Other · 3Budget action · 1
  1. Board of Commissioners Annual 3 Day Budget Retreat Day 1 - January 6, 2026 Day 2 - January 7, 2026 Day 3 - January 8, 2026
    Other Budget and appropriations
  2. CALL TO ORDER
    Procedural
  3. DAY 1 - BOARD PRIORITIES
    Procedural
  4. 26-0001 Review Ground Rules and Guidelines for Effective Meetings
    Other
    The Board reviews its 2026 ground rules and guidelines for effective meetings.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  5. 26-0002 Review Roles and Expectations
    Other
    The Board reviews commissioner roles and expectations for the year.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  6. 26-0003 Review and Discuss the Goals & Priorities for FY2027
    Discussion item Budget and appropriations
    The Board discusses and sets its goals and priorities for FY2027.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  7. Recess - 10 minute break
    Procedural
  8. 26-0004 Receive an Overview of the Budget & Financial Policies
    Presentation Budget and appropriations
    Staff present an overview of the county's budget and financial policies, including proposed amendments.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  9. 26-0005 Discuss Rules of Procedure
    Discussion item
    The Board reviews its rules of procedure, adopted April 2024.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  10. Recess - Lunch Break
    Procedural
  11. 26-0006 Discuss Board of Commissioners Travel Policy and Budgeting
    Discussion item Budget and appropriations
    The Board discusses its own travel policy and how travel is budgeted.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  12. 26-0022 Discuss Climate Change Retreat and Next Steps
    Discussion item Environment and sustainability
    The Board discusses next steps from its climate change retreat, with the Climate Change Advisory Committee expected to have a quorum present.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  13. Recess - 10 minute break
    Procedural
  14. 26-0007 Discuss Affordable Housing Retreat
    Discussion item Housing and affordability
    The Board discusses affordable housing retreat planning, with the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee expected to have a quorum present.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  15. Recess - Anticipated End of Day 1
    Procedural
  16. DAY 2 - BOARD PRIORITIES CONTINUED
    Procedural
  17. 26-0008 Receive a presentation from Chatham County Schools
    Presentation Budget and appropriationsSchools and education
    Chatham County Schools presents its FY2027 budget projections.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  18. 26-0009 Receive a presentation from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office
    Presentation Budget and appropriationsPolice and public safety
    The Sheriff's Office presents its FY2027 budget request.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  19. Recess - 10 minute break
    Procedural
  20. 26-0010 Receive a presentation from Chatham County Elections
    Presentation Budget and appropriationsElections and districts
    The Elections office presents its FY2027 budget request.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  21. 26-0011 Receive a presentation from the Chatham County Health Department
    Presentation Budget and appropriationsHealth and human services
    The Health Department presents its FY2027 budget request.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  22. Recess - Lunch Break
    Procedural
  23. 26-0012 Receive a Human Resources update on Pay and Benefits
    Presentation Budget and appropriations
    Human Resources presents an update on employee pay and benefits.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  24. 26-0013 Receive an update on the Non-Profit Funding Process
    Budget action Budget and appropriationsGrants and outside funding
    Staff present an update on the county's non-profit funding process; the Board voted to move to a biennial application cycle.
    approved · Pass · A motion was made by Commissioner David Delaney, seconded by Vice Chair Franklin Gomez Flores, that the proposed transition to a biennial nonprofit funding application process was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
  25. Recess - 10 minute break
    Procedural
  26. 26-0014 Receive an update on General Obligation Bonds
    Presentation Bonds and debt
    Staff present an update on the county's general obligation bonds.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  27. 26-0015 Receive an overview of the Chatham County Economic Development Policy
    Presentation Economic development incentives
    Staff present an overview of Chatham County's economic development incentive policy.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  28. Recess - Anticipated End of Day 2
    Procedural
  29. DAY 3 - BOARD PRIORITIES CONTINUED
    Procedural
  30. 26-0016 Receive a presentation on Heads Up Items and a Collaboration Impact Team Update
    Presentation Fire and EMS
    Staff present a general "heads up" briefing and an update from the Collaboration Impact Team.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  31. 26-0017 Receive a presentation on the Current Year Accomplishments
    Presentation Budget and appropriations
    Staff present a summary of the county's accomplishments so far in the current fiscal year.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  32. Recess - 10 minute break
    Procedural
  33. 26-0018 Receive a presentation on Trends Affecting the FY27 Budget
    Presentation Budget and appropriations
    Staff present trends expected to affect the FY2027 budget.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  34. 26-0021 Receive a presentation on the expected conditions affecting the Fiscal Year 2027 budget
    Presentation Budget and appropriations
    Staff present the broader conditions expected to affect the FY2027 budget.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  35. Recess - Lunch Break
    Procedural
  36. 26-0019 Discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Provide Guidance to Staff
    Discussion item Budget and appropriations
    The Board discusses the FY2027 budget as a whole and gives staff direction on preparing the budget.
    received and filed · This Agenda Item was received and filed.
  37. ADJOURNMENT
    Procedural
    adjourned · Pass · A motion was made by Vice Chair Gomez Flores, seconded by Commissioner Delaney, that the meeting be adjourned at 12:29pm. The motion carried by the following vote:
  38. Recess - 10 minute break
    Procedural

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