The county auditor presented updated revenue projections on Oct. 31 that include monthly data through October (collections tied to activity through August) and explained the projection methodology recommended for the tentative 2026 budget. The auditor said the methodology uses a three‑year trend line (2023–2025) to avoid noise from isolated year‑to‑year swings and to better reflect the recent pattern of collections.

For transient room tax (TRT) the presentations showed a 2025 full‑year baseline using a 4.25% rate for apples‑to‑apples comparison across 2023–2025 and then adjusted the figure to account for the rate increase that became effective in October; the adjusted TRT figure entered into the tentative budget was about $8.0 million (the staff figure shown during presentation was $8,000,062). The auditor said October collections improved the year‑to‑date shortfall and that the combined monthly data are incorporated into the tentative budget materials that will accompany the County Commission agenda.

The auditor said the estimated general‑fund draw to balance 2025, as currently projected in the year‑end amendments, is approximately $2.1 million. The tentative 2026 budget, as currently drafted for the board and subject to change, would require a draw of about $740,000 from the general fund to achieve a balanced operating budget. Commissioners discussed options to reduce expenditures and replenish capital funds, and asked for visual comparisons of multi‑year budgeted versus actual spending to identify persistent overspend areas.

After discussion, the advisory board considered a motion to forward the tentative budget and the record of this year's Budget Advisory Board meetings to the County Commission for review and subsequent budget workshops. Commissioner Hadeen moved; Commissioner Winfield seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. The board also approved the draft minutes from its Oct. 24 meeting earlier in the session.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of minutes (Oct. 24, 2025): Motion to approve draft minutes; mover: Winfield; second: Hackwell; outcome: approved by voice vote (recorded on the transcript as "Aye").
- Motion to forward tentative 2026 budget to County Commission: Motion mover: Hadeen; second: Winfield; outcome: approved by voice vote.

Ending: The board voted to forward the tentative budget package and supporting materials (revenue projections, department worksheets and recorded meeting comments) to the County Commission for further review and for final budget workshops and adoption as required by statute.