Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee (2025-2027) - 2026-01-27
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee approved Bill 2 (2026) establishing pay scales for Board of Ethics staff with amendments to the title and Section E, Bill 9 (CD1) appropriating $10 million in GET carryover savings to the Department of Water Supply for integration of public and private water systems and adding 10 unfunded positions, and Bill 10 appropriating $3 million in general fund carryover savings for IT services including TAT software and cybersecurity contracts. The committee also received a preliminary fiscal year 2025 carryover savings report showing approximately $98.9 million in unrestricted general fund carryover savings.
Key Decisions (3)
Board of Ethics Staff Salaries and Pay Scales (Bill 2)
Approved amendments to section 2.56.080 Maui County Code allowing the executive director to set staff salaries within council-approved ranges, clarifying the board sets the executive director salary (capped at $227,020.91), establishing pay scales for attorneys based on years since bar admission per section 2.44.015a, and creating pay scales for paralegals and part-time employees. Amendments added 'for board of ethics staff' to the title and revised Section E to remove language implying unlimited attorney hiring.
Department of Water Supply CIP and Personnel Increase (Bill 9 CD1)
Approved transfer of $10 million in general fund carryover savings from GET to Department of Water Supply for integration of public and private water systems CIP project (new total $15 million) and increased equivalent personnel limit from 159 to 169 (10 unfunded positions). The $10 million is a reappropriation of funds that expired 12/31/2025.
IT Services Budget Amendment (Bill 10)
Approved $3 million in general fund carryover savings to Department of Management information technology services program for transient accommodations tax software, software subscription renewals, and cybersecurity contract. TAT software procurement came in at approximately $4.6 million, higher than anticipated.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Department of Water Supply is actively negotiating to acquire private water systems, with potential acquisition expected by end of 2025, which could increase water capacity for development.
Infrastructure
County is investing $10 million in integration of public and private water systems, signaling commitment to expanding water infrastructure capacity.
Other
TAT revenue is trending slightly down compared to budget expectations despite high tourist activity on West Side, according to Deputy Finance Director.
Other
GET revenue exceeded budget by $28 million and interest earnings exceeded budget by $28.5 million in fiscal year 2025, indicating strong county financial position.