Kirkman presents 2026 Kenosha County budget emphasizing public safety, housing and infrastructure

County Executive Kirkman presented the proposed 2026 Kenosha County budget to the County Board, saying the plan increases spending for public safety, continues large infrastructure projects and seeks to respond to pressure on the county’s housing supply. “Public safety expenditures account for more than 56% of the total levy spending in the budget you are receiving tonight,” Kirkman said.

The budget presentation framed the county’s finances around sustained economic growth and recent credit recognition. Kirkman said the county maintained its AAA rating, which he credited with saving the county about $1,200,000 in interest costs since 2021. He described several large private and public projects underway in the county and region — including a $166,000,000 Schutz Containers facility, a $200,000,000 expansion by Inovations and a reported $3,000,000,000 expansion announced in Bristol that was followed by about $100,000,000 in state performance-based tax credits — and…