During a recent government meeting, residents expressed concerns over rising taxes and the management of local budgets. Barb Everhart, a resident of Racine, voiced frustration over her increasing tax bills and inadequate maintenance of local infrastructure, specifically citing issues with ditches that have not been properly managed, leading to flooding on her property. She criticized the county's handling of road maintenance and urged officials to adopt better budgeting practices.

The discussion shifted to the county's revenue neutral rate, with Bruce Hobbs questioning the accuracy of tax notices sent to residents. County officials clarified that the current rates are lower than those previously communicated, and residents will receive updated tax statements in November. However, one school district may issue a new notice due to procedural issues, which could affect some taxpayers.

The budget hearing revealed that the county has managed to maintain a revenue-neutral budget despite rising costs in various sectors. Officials explained that cuts were made across departments to avoid increasing taxes, with specific savings achieved through renegotiated contracts and adjustments in funding for mental health services. The county's income from housing inmates was also highlighted as a contributing factor to maintaining budget stability.

Residents raised concerns about transparency in the budget process, with calls for easier access to budget documents and breakdowns. One resident emphasized the need for public availability of budget information to foster understanding and trust in local governance.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the county's budget for 2025, which was approved unanimously by the board. Officials reiterated their commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing community needs.