Jackson council eyes 25–45% General Fund reserve target in 'Strategic Budgeting'

Jackson’s Town Council spent its March 18 special workshop workshopping a draft “Strategic Budgeting” philosophy that would formalize financial guardrails for upcoming budget cycles — including a proposed 25–45% General Fund balance range and annual targets for keeping revenues and expenses in balance. The packet frames the philosophy as still evolving, but says it “will be adopted in May by Resolution.” (Special Town Council Workshop packet; Strategic Budgeting slides)

The Strategic Budgeting slides tie the reserve discussion to a multi-year outlook that assumes no new revenue before a potential 2028 “general penny” (a proposed additional local sales tax). In the FY27–FY29 scenario presented, staff’s model keeps the General Fund balance around $16.7 million (roughly 40–43%) as a buffer if the 2028 measure doesn’t pass, while also limiting Town staffing growth to about one new FTE per year and reducing discretionary health-and-human-services/community-initiative funding over three years. (Strategic Budgeting slides)

Looking longer-term, the presentation sketches what the Town could fund with a 2028 “general penny” (estimated around $13.5 million in FY30), while also outlining alternative tools if voters reject it — including a future lodging tax request, property tax mills, and personnel/capital-transfer adjustments. Council’s May resolution, as proposed, would lock in the budgeting philosophy and action plan that staff and council have been building through this year’s workshop series. (Strategic Budgeting slides)