Middlesex supervisors adopt FY2026 budget with $700 one-time bonus, set aside sheriff staffing funds and contingency

The Middlesex County Board of Supervisors approved its fiscal year 2026 operating budget after extended discussion over sheriff staffing and a one-time employee payment, leaving tax rates unchanged.

By a 3–2 vote, supervisors approved the advertised budget with two immediate changes: $20,000 left in the Sheriff’s Office personnel line and $78,000 moved to a countywide contingency; and a one-time payment for county employees set at $700 or the Compensation Board 1.5% payment for state-funded positions, whichever is greater. The motion passed with Supervisors Crittendon, Jesse and Don Harris voting yes; Supervisors Williams and Bill Harris voted no.

The vote followed several hours of debate that centered on whether to include funding now for positions tied to a possible body-camera program in the Sheriff’s Office, how to treat state-funded (Compensation Board) positions versus county-funded staff, and how much fund balance to use to balance the budget. Supporters said the changes preserved a balanced budget while allowing the county to hold contingency funds for near-term personnel needs and to deliver a one-time payment to lower-paid employees; dissenting supervisors objected to the size and timing of withdrawals from fund balance and to process issues.

Most important details

- Budget outcome: Board approved FY2026 operating budget as advertised, with the modifications above; tax rates remain as advertised (no change).

- Employee payment: The board approved a one-time county payment of $700 for county-funded employees; Compensation Board–funded positions will receive the state 1.5% payment, if and when that is finalized, and the ordinance authorizing any county bonus must still be drafted by the county attorney before funds…