Shelby County officials are taking significant steps to address budgetary concerns as they prepare for the fiscal year 2026. During the FY2026 Budget Subcommittee Meeting held on June 11, 2025, a key proposal was made to amend the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) budget, reverting it to the funding levels of fiscal year 2025. This move aims to reconcile discrepancies between the original budget submission and the consolidated budget presented by Sheriff Floyd Bonner.

Chief Administrative Officer Alicia Lindsey outlined the necessity of this amendment, highlighting a revenue shortfall of approximately $256,000 due to changes in funding from the Youth Justice Education Center. As the county transitions responsibilities from the sheriff's office to the corrections division, it is crucial to ensure that the budget accurately reflects these changes to maintain service levels for youth in custody.

Deputy CFO Michael Thompson emphasized the importance of clarity in the budget process, suggesting a special session to further discuss the sheriff's department's budget items. This would help ensure that all commissioners understand the financial implications of the proposed changes.

The meeting also addressed the overall budget for the Youth Justice Education Center, which is projected to be around $18 million for fiscal year 2026. This figure includes a significant portion of funding that has been shifted from the sheriff's office to cover operational costs in the corrections area. The discussions revealed that while the sheriff's office budget for the center remains intact, adjustments are necessary to accommodate the transition of services.

As the budget discussions continue, officials are committed to ensuring that the needs of the community, particularly vulnerable youth, are met without interruption. The next steps will involve further analysis and potential adjustments to the budget to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds.