Budget Review Shows 7% Mill Levy Decrease for 2026 Ahead of Community Presentation

The Dickinson County Commission meeting on July 17, 2025, focused primarily on budget reviews and preparations for the upcoming fiscal year. The discussion highlighted significant adjustments and projections that aim to enhance the county's financial standing.

During the meeting, officials reported progress in budget planning, indicating that they are nearing a point where they can present a comprehensive budget to the community. Key updates included discussions about the highway special equipment funds, where adjustments were made to better reflect anticipated needs for 2026. Notable purchases under consideration include a Chevy Silverado and an excavator, with the latter estimated at $350,000. Officials are currently seeking updated estimates from vendors to ensure accurate budgeting.

The county's special machinery fund currently holds a balance of approximately $1.4 million, which will be closely managed as these significant purchases are planned. The commission also discussed the potential for an attack safety team, although this initiative will not be finalized in the current budget cycle.

A major highlight from the meeting was the projected decrease in the mill levy by about 6.75%, translating to a reduction of approximately $3.634 in property taxes. This decrease is attributed to successful budget management, including reductions proposed by various departments and the utilization of carryover funds from previous years.

Additionally, the budget for 2026 accounts for an extra payroll due to the calendar alignment, which occurs every 13 years. This factor typically poses challenges, but officials expressed confidence in their ability to manage it effectively.

Overall, the commission conveyed optimism about the budget's direction, emphasizing collaborative efforts across departments to achieve financial stability and prepare for future needs. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget details and presenting them to the community for feedback.