The Wayne County Commission on Wednesday approved a $2,200,000,000 comprehensive operating budget and appropriations ordinance for fiscal year 2526, and a two-year budget projection through 2627, after a public hearing and committee recommendation.

The vote followed a motion to open a public hearing on the recommended budget, moved at the dais and taken up by the commission before final adoption. Commissioner Kinloch summarized the commission's view as the vote concluded: "All questions have been asked and answered. And I would just, say for the record this is a $2,200,000,000 budget." The commission voted to carry the motion and adopt the budget.

Why it matters: The adopted budget funds countywide elected offices, health and human services, juvenile services and roads and sets spending priorities for the coming fiscal year. Commissioners said the document reflects county priorities and emphasized that budgets are working documents that may be amended during the year.

Background and process: The ordinance and operating plans were recommended by the Committee of the Whole and incorporated technical amendments and budget language instructions. Commissioner Kellogg moved to open the public hearing on the administrator's recommended budget; the commission heard no in‑chamber or emailed public comment before closing the hearing and moving to final action. The county's management and budget staff and the fiscal analyst (named in the record as Terrence Adams) were acknowledged for preparing the recommendation and answering commissioners' questions during multiple hearings.

What was decided: The commission approved the operating budget and projected budget for fiscal years 2526 and 2627, along with technical amendments 1 through 24 as presented. Commissioners spoke to the budget’s scope and the commission’s intent to adjust the document later in the fiscal year if necessary.

Next steps: The commission noted the budget is "a living, breathing document" and may be revisited during the fiscal year if emergent needs or adjustments arise. No further dates for additional public hearings were specified in the meeting record.