A major procedural error during the revenue neutral rate hearing for Montgomery County causes a major change to the mill levy and the 2026 budget.
The error was discovered by County Clerk Ami Standridge as she was certifying the county's mill levy late last week. Standridge has been on maternity leave but appeared before the Commission at Monday's meeting to clarify the matter. Standridge says she brought the matter to the attention of state officials.
Standridge says there were two issues of concern.
The error means the county will not be able to raise the mill levy for the coming year and will instead be required to stay with the rate of 39.989 mills. Commissioner Robert Bever asks Standridge about her actions after she found the error.
The change in the mill rate means the county must cut an additional $2.1 million from the 2026 budget and they must do it by October 1st . Bever says deep cuts will have to happen.
The Montgomery County Commission will meet in a special session today at 9am to amend the 2026 budget.
