LAPEER, Mich. — The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed 2026 county budget on Aug. 14 and referred the proposal to the committee of the whole with authority to adopt on Sept. 11.

Controller and the chief financial officer presented the budget message, saying the proposal reflects revenue and expenditure projections and efforts to maintain a disciplined, debt-free approach to county finances. “I’m presenting you with a budget message for 2026,” the Controller said, outlining assumptions used in the two-year projection.

The presentation listed several specific planning assumptions: a 3% increase in property tax revenue, a 4% wage increase for 2026 and a 2% increase for 2027, and an acknowledgement of federal funding cuts affecting county departments. The Controller said those federal reductions have begun to affect the health department and that adjustments and cuts are being made where necessary. The presentation also noted a state change in trial court funding referred to in the hearing as “Public Act 47 of 24,” which the Controller said moves the state toward funding 50% of trial court costs.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the public hearing process and future planning, including whether the county is discussing seeking additional general fund millage. County staff said there has been internal discussion about general fund millage but no formal strategy or decision had been made.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and the board voted to refer the proposed budget to the committee of the whole with authority to act at the Sept. 11 meeting. The board chair declared the public hearing closed after no members of the public offered comments specific to the budget during the hearing.

Background: the Controller said the budget aims to reduce expenses where possible while improving capital-asset planning, vehicle-use policies and other operational efficiencies. The recommended two-year budget package includes assumptions and contingencies intended to preserve county operations amid changing federal and state funding.

Next steps: the matter will return to the committee of the whole for final adoption consideration on Sept. 11.