Administrator outlines balanced 2026 budget that would include 2% COLA, wage study and changes to insurance subsidies

County administrator presented a recommended 2026 budget proposing a ~ $0.10 per $1,000 mill‑rate increase, a 2% cost‑of‑living increase, funding for a wage study and mid‑year adjustments, and elimination (or reduction) of prior county deductible subsidies to balance competing priorities; supervisors debated insurance subsidies, a finance‑director position, and potential alternatives.