Marathon County presents a status-quo 2026 budget with targeted capital cuts, new airport guarantee and homelessness funding

MARATHON COUNTY, Wis. — Marathon County administration told the Public Safety Committee on Oct. 7 that the proposed 2026 budget is largely status quo but includes targeted new spending for a minimum revenue guarantee for the Central Wisconsin Airport and enhanced funding to address homelessness.

The county administrator called the proposal "really a status quo budget" and said it follows budget assumptions previously set by the county board. The presentation emphasized conservative revenue estimates, holding vacant positions to reduce levy pressure and shifting some costs or revenues where possible.

Key figures outlined by administration include a net new construction rate of 1.61%, which the presenter said produces roughly $837,000 in additional tax levy revenue and about $1 million when combined with a personal property tax adjustment. The presenter said departments identified the equivalent of about 15 full-time positions to hold open in 2026 to help balance the budget.

The sheriff's office is the largest department affected: the budget shows about $1,230,000 of net change between 2025 and 2026 for the sheriff's office, a figure the presenter said reflects staffing…