PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
INVESTMENTS … Commissioners heard an investment update and reviewed an investment portfolio from Scott Gruber during the July 9 meeting.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Commissioners held meetings on Tuesday, July 7, and Thursday, July 9, addressing county finances, social services, infrastructure, domestic violence support, and the county’s investment portfolio.
During the July 7 meeting, commissioners reviewed the county’s month-end financial report through June 30, which showed total year-to-date revenue of approximately $121.28 million and expenses of approximately $114.47 million.
The county’s general fund had an ending balance of approximately $27.96 million after accounting for encumbrances.
Appropriation increases were approved for the county’s pretrial grant programs, including $27,501 for Pretrial Grant 1 and approximately $1,931 for Pretrial Grant 2.
Commissioners also authorized a $20,000 transfer within the Job and Family Services budget and the distribution of approximately $19,494 in general fund interest earnings among several county funds and programs.
The board also approved Fulton County’s fiscal year 2027 Title XX County Profile Plan as submitted by Fulton County Job and Family Services Director Amy Metz-Simon. The plan projects services for a total of 180 customers.
A final payment of $7,243.42 was approved for Parsons Excavating for work on Ditch Improvement Project 2152, also identified as the Brush Creek Branch 9 project.
The project’s amended contract amount totaled $48,336.70, with the work reported as 100% complete.
Commissioners also authorized the execution of an environmental certification connected to $20,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding for home accessibility improvements through The Ability Center.
The work is associated with properties at 448 Dwight Ave. and 1616 County Road K, and the environmental review determined that no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment was required.
Appointments were also approved for the Fulton County Local Emergency Planning Committee for terms running from August 1, 2025, through August 1, 2027.
Those appointed represent fire service, law enforcement, elected officials, emergency management, health care, emergency medical services, public health, environmental agencies, transportation, media, community groups, industry and other local government interests.
At the July 9 meeting, commissioners approved the release and payment of first-half 2026 marriage license, dissolution and divorce fees to the Center for Child and Family Advocacy in Napoleon.
The funds support the House of Ruth shelter and services for Fulton County residents who are victims of domestic violence.
The board also approved a $4,750 customer service agreement with Henschen and Associates on behalf of the Fulton County Clerk of Courts.
The agreement provides funding for software support, service and minor modifications.
Commissioners also appointed Jodi Adams as a part-time intermittent housekeeper, subject to successful completion of required pre-employment screenings and a 90-day probationary period.
Following regular business, Scott Gruber provided an investment update focused on the economic environment, interest rates, and the county’s investment portfolio.
Gruber said geopolitical uncertainty, particularly the situation involving Iran, has created significant volatility and complicated the outlook for interest rates.
He explained that the Federal Reserve’s decisions continue to be driven largely by inflation, unemployment, and economic growth, while geopolitical events can quickly change market expectations.
Earlier in the year, markets had been pricing in possible interest rate cuts, Gruber said, but expectations shifted sharply as concerns surrounding Iran and oil markets increased.
At one point, market pricing moved from expectations for two rate cuts to the possibility of rate increases.
Despite that uncertainty, Gruber said the higher rate environment has created favorable investment opportunities for Fulton County.
He noted that one-year investments were yielding more than 4%, five-year rates were approaching 4.3% to 4.4%, and cash rates were around 3.6% to 3.7%.
According to Gruber, this has allowed the county to reinvest funds at rates above what is available on cash holdings and potentially generate stronger investment income over the coming years.
As of June 30, the county had approximately $53 million invested with an average yield of 3.79%.
Gruber said that the average is expected to continue increasing as older, lower-yielding investments made during the COVID era mature and are replaced with investments carrying higher rates.
He said the county continues to seek a balanced approach by extending some investments into the four- to five-year range while still keeping funds maturing regularly in case rates move higher.
Gruber also said the county is taking advantage of multiple investment options available under state law, including high-grade corporate bonds from major companies, to diversify the portfolio and seek favorable returns.
During the discussion following the update, commissioners praised the work of the Fulton County Treasurer’s Office and its role in managing and investing county funds.
One commissioner noted that the county earned approximately $3.7 million in interest income last year and had already earned more than $2 million this year, with the potential to approach $4 million if current conditions continue.
Gruber also credited the communication between his team and the treasurer’s office, saying regular information about county cash needs and upcoming projects helps guide investment decisions.
The next regular session will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 9 a.m.
