Monroe County residents will pay less in property taxes this year, due to an error in the county’s 2025 budget.
Jennifer Crossley, president of the Monroe County Council, addressed what she called the “elephant in the room” Tuesday night. The 2025 budget, approved by the council last fall, had an incorrect tax rate. That means the county will collect $3.8 million less than expected.
This year’s budget is nearly $123 million. Councilmember Marty Hawk voted against it last fall. Hawk consistently raises financial concerns with much of the council’s business, including pay raises for government officials.
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County auditor Brianne Gregory recently discovered the budget error and brought it to the council’s attention.
“This is Monroe County government being transparent,” Crossley said. “We’re all human. Those things happen, but we can learn from this and I’ve spoken to the auditor, and she has assured me that there are things put into place so this will not happen in the future.”
The council is unsure of how the error occurred.
Crossley said the council will explore options to correct the mistake. She said the council may appeal to the state to correct the budget.
“If the council as a whole decides to move forward with this appeal, and the appeal is granted by the Department of Local Government Finance, a higher rate will be implemented for the 2026 budget year,” she said.
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If the appeal fails, the council will have to consider other funding options for county business. That could include cuts to some areas of government or deciding against pay raises.