Henry County presents $287.8 million FY26 budget proposal, holds public hearing; adoption set for May 28

Henry County officials presented a proposed $287,800,000 general fund and special service district budget at a public hearing May 6, 2025, maintaining the current millage rate of 15.733 mills and proposing no change to the county’s tax rate. The proposal funds public safety expansions, road and parks investments and 78 new positions, and county leaders set a second public hearing and formal adoption vote for May 28 at 6:30 p.m.

County financial staff said the FY26 proposal is $28.1 million, or 10.8%, higher than the FY25 adopted budget and aims to avoid relying on fund balance for recurring operations. County leadership said the recommended budget supports three specific additions: the North Mount Carmel Recreation Center, a newly established Henry County Police Academy (classes scheduled to begin July 2025), and preparations for opening two new fire stations in FY26–FY27. Major line items highlighted include $6 million for debt payments; $4.2 million for longevity and cost-of-living adjustments;…