(KMZA)--Nemaha County commissioners have taken the first step in the 2027 budget process by notifying the county clerk that the county could exceed the state's Revenue Neutral Rate.

At their July 20 meeting, commissioners stressed that no final decision has been made on the mill levy. However, department budget requests currently exceed the revenue neutral rate, requiring the county to file the notice as the budget process moves forward.

County officials said nearly 87 percent of the proposed budget increase is tied to the Road and Bridge Department.

Commissioners unanimously approved submitting the notice to the Nemaha County Clerk, with Commission Chairman Ben Glace signing the document.

A public hearing will be held before commissioners adopt the county's final 2027 budget.