Health department revenue drop, interest revenue and motor‑vehicle forecasts factor into 2026 budget planning

Miami County commissioners spent part of their June 25 study session reviewing revenue assumptions for the 2026 budget, including investment interest projections, motor vehicle revenue forecasting and a revenue shortfall reported for the health department.

Lucas Mellinger, assistant county administrator, said the county's 2026 budget currently includes $1.3 million in interest revenue from CDs and money markets but noted the treasurer's current estimate for the year is $1.4 to $1.5 million. "I don't know if I feel comfortable putting that in for the 2026 budget just in terms of that seems like a lot of confluence...it's an upside and a downside risk," Mellinger said.

On motor vehicle (personal property) revenue, staff noted the county historically trails the state motor vehicle forecast and therefore used a conservative approach. "They send out a budget projection for you...we usually come up with, like, 200 short," one commissioner said. The board left motor vehicle estimates conservative, applying current year trends plus $25,000 in the draft.

Commissioners also noted the health department recorded a revenue decline of about $182,100. The board asked staff and the health department director to analyze impacts on services before acting on staffing or reclassification proposals tied to that unit.

Mellinger recommended keeping investment interest assumptions conservative in the draft budget and flagged the possibility of placing excess benefit savings into a reserve if self‑insurance for health benefits results in underspend. The board asked staff to return with updated projections and scenario analyses to guide final budget choices.