County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Management & Budget Director Kevin Brickey delivered the county’s FY2026 recommended budget on July 16, outlining total funding of $12,088,000,000 across all funds and an operating budget of approximately $4.61 billion. Brickey said the recommended budget maintains the county’s fiscal targets and preserves the triple‑A credit ratings from major agencies. "The total recommended budget across all funds is, just a hair under $12,100,000,000, $12,088,000,000," Brickey told commissioners.

The recommended capital program is about $3.3 billion; water capital accounts for roughly half of that total as the county advances a 1‑Water expansion that includes nearly $883 million in new activity. The plan includes $53.4 million in identified budget efficiencies and proposes a 0.1 mill swap that reduces countywide general fund millage while increasing the unincorporated area millage to support municipal‑type services there. Brickey said reserves remain within board policy targets (20–25%), with a countywide reserve near 24.7% and a planned partial replenishment of the catastrophic reserve drawn down after recent hurricanes.

The recommended budget emphasizes two priorities: public safety and transportation. Brickey said public safety accounts for about 24% of the operating budget, with the sheriff and fire rescue among the largest single‑line items. Transportation capital funding in FY2026 increases to $135 million for projects including resurfacing, sidewalk investments and corridor improvements.

No formal action was required at the presentation; the board received the recommended budget. Commissioners asked staff to prepare for budget workshops and public hearings in late July and September, and staff outlined the schedule: a budget workshop on July 23 focused on transportation and stormwater, a reconciliation public hearing on July 30, and final hearings in September. Commissioners praised staff for maintaining fiscal discipline and the county’s credit ratings while flagging areas for further discussion at upcoming hearings.