The Benton County Budget Committee last week approved a proposed $540.3 million budget for 2025-27 in a process that included making four amendments that include public safety alternatives and planning for a new correctional facility.
The committee increased the proposed budget by $847,000, bringing the total from $539.4 million to $540.3 million, with the increase dedicated entirely to the Behavioral Health Deflection program that was launched earlier this year.
After three days of hearings from May 27-30, the committee made strategic changes to address the county’s most pressing needs. They established a $1 line item in the general fund to begin saving for a new correctional facility to replace the current county jail, which officials say is inadequate.
The committee also preserved funding for the Sheriff’s Office work crew program, which provides community service as an alternative to incarceration, and maintained the current 3% deferred compensation rate for management and unrepresented employees.
The largest financial commitment went to the Behavioral Health Deflection program, which offers treatment alternatives for people cited for drug possession rather than traditional incarceration. The program represents a shift toward addressing substance abuse issues through treatment rather than punishment.
County administration and department heads presented detailed budgets for the county’s 15 offices and departments during the hearings. The committee also approved separate budgets for the Library Services County Service District and the 911 Emergency Services County Service District without amendments.
Financial Services staff are now preparing the approved budget document for a final public hearing on June 17 before the Benton County Board of Commissioners. The commissioners can make changes to the budget before adoption, but significant modifications would trigger additional public notice and hearing requirements.
The budget will take effect July 1 if adopted by the commissioners. Public documents, department presentations and meeting recordings are available online at the county’s finance website.