Commissioners approve preliminary 2026 budget at prior mill totals after discussion of COLA and levy mechanics

Commissioners discussed the county’s preliminary 2026 budget Aug. 5, including a requested 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment for staff, alternative COLA scenarios, and the mechanics of mill levies and carryover funds. After discussion, the commission voted to approve the preliminary budget using last year’s mill totals.

Staff described changes that affect how certain levies are recorded: two lines historically known as the 5‑mil and farm‑to‑market levies are set to sunset at the end of the year and will be rolled into the Road and Bridge fund levy, staff said. Staff also explained that county bond service is no longer included in the formula for the 3% cap the state now applies to budgets; removing bonds from that calculation increases the county’s allowable 3% ceiling, which staff said gives the county more flexibility.

Commissioners discussed COLA amounts: staff said a 4% COLA had been requested but that a 2% option would materially reduce the county wage increase cost. Staff also noted that if the commissioners approve a preliminary budget, the final levy can be decreased later but not increased beyond the approved cap. The county clerk/finance staff reminded the commission of state requirements for public notice and budget hearings scheduled between early September and early October; staff said they will publish dates and coordinate with townships and other entities.

After motions and seconds, the commission approved the preliminary budget and scheduled the public budget hearing in September; the approved preliminary budget numbers were recorded in the county files at the meeting. Why it matters: the preliminary budget sets the county’s maximum levy and frames spending plans for the next year; the commission’s choices affect county services, reserve levels and taxpayer bills. Ending: Staff will publish the required budget hearing notices and return to the commission later in the fall for final adoption.