Henry County adopts $287.8 million FY26 budget; library plea for $125,358 left unresolved

The Henry County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved the fiscal year 2026 general fund and special service district budgets totaling $287,800,000 while keeping the countys millage rate at 15.733 mills.

The board adopted the budget after a second public hearing and presentations from Benita Campbell, Henry County budget director, who said the FY26 proposal is 10.8% higher than the FY25 adopted budget and includes funding for a new North Mount Carmel recreation center, support for a newly established Henry County Police Academy, and preparation for two new fire stations planned for FY26 and FY27. Campbell said the proposed budget assumes the current millage rate and recommends 78 new positions, 12 of which are support staff for a fifth state court judge expected to start in January 2026.

The budget presentation listed major line items: $6 million for debt payments, a $3.3 million increase in inmate medical costs and jail personnel, $2 million for additional fire personnel for Stations 17 and 18, $1.8…