Washington County Supervisors Debate 2026 Budget Amid Service Cost Concerns

The Washington County Land Use & Planning Committee convened on August 22, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary concerns and the future of county services. The meeting highlighted significant apprehensions regarding the county's financial planning, particularly in relation to the Sewer Pack services.

The session began with Supervisor Konrath expressing concerns about the lack of data necessary for making informed decisions regarding the 2026 budget. She emphasized that without accurate figures, it is challenging to assess the potential costs to taxpayers if services are reduced or replaced. The discussion underscored the importance of understanding the implications of any changes to the current service structure, especially as the county prepares for its financial obligations in the upcoming biennium.

A key point raised was the need for continued dialogue with local municipalities and stakeholders to gauge the impact of potential service changes. Several committee members echoed the sentiment that more discussions are necessary to fully comprehend the ramifications of walking away from the services provided by Sewer Pack. Supervisor Kreps noted that the budget process is still in its early stages, and there is a need for clarity on the rationale behind the county executive's proposed budget priorities.

The county executive's office has indicated a desire to avoid increasing property taxes while ensuring that services remain accessible to those who need them. The committee acknowledged the high quality of services provided by Sewer Pack but recognized the challenge of balancing these services with the financial realities facing the county.

As the meeting concluded, the committee agreed on the necessity of further discussions and stakeholder engagement to ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of the constituents. The overall sentiment was one of caution, with a clear understanding that significant decisions regarding the budget and services must be made with careful consideration of their long-term impacts on the community.