Kalamazoo County adopts 2026 budget, creates 15 positions and approves pension adjustment; community grants set at $400,000

Kalamazoo County commissioners on Oct. 21 adopted the county’s 2026 budget, approved creation of 15 budgeted positions and passed a retirement resolution that raises certain retiree benefits and a current-employee multiplier.

The actions were the most consequential of a long meeting that also set aside $400,000 for community grants; the board directed staff to return with final grant awards and clarifications in a follow-up meeting.

Commissioners said the budget process this year was more collaborative than recent cycles and that the administration had refined materials and timelines so many of the new positions can be posted immediately after the budget takes effect. County Administrator Kevin Catlin and Finance Director Ryan Post described a plan that used revised revenue projections, including increased public safety revenue-sharing estimates, to balance requests such as temporary support for the courts.

“Our aim was to make the courts whole and to get positions posted earlier in the year so hiring is not delayed into March or April,” Finance Director Ryan Post told the board during the Oct. 21 presentation. He said 13 of the 15 recommended positions already have job descriptions and organization codes in Munis and can be posted once the budget is adopted.

Why it matters: The budget sets staffing and program priorities for the year; the board’s vote now allows departments to begin hiring and prepares the county for the 2026 operating year. Commissioners emphasized that some line items — notably community grant awards — require additional follow-up before final distributions.

Key details from the presentations and discussion

- Accounts payable and payroll. The accounts-payable claim list presented for review totaled $4,513,301.68; the board was asked to approve $2,930,037.15 of those claims. Payroll…