Eaton County adopts 2025–26 budget and winter tax rates after contentious vote

Eaton County commissioners on Sept. 17 adopted the county—s 2025—1 budget and set winter tax rates, approving the measure by roll call after extended debate over program cuts and commissioner compensation.

The board voted 12—2 in favor of the budget, with Commissioners Peake and Toomey voting no. Commissioner Durocher moved the measure; Commissioner Arndt seconded. Chairman Mott declared the motion carried.

The budget vote followed weeks of staff work and public comment, and commissioners said they made difficult choices to keep the county solvent. Controller Connie Sobey told the board the administration had originally been authorized in 2023 to take certain actions and sought reaffirmation on some items now that the board makeup had changed. "We wanted to reaffirm this resolution," Sobey said regarding participation in national opioid settlements, "so that we're not missing any of those funds to serve our residents."

Why it matters: The adopted budget contains cuts to outside agencies and restores pay increases for county employees, part of a multi-year effort staff described as necessary to stabilize county finances. Commissioners and members of the public said some cuts were painful; county leaders said the choices were required to keep basic services and payroll intact.

Most important details - Final vote: roll call showed 12 votes in favor, 2 opposed (Peake, Toomey). The board recorded the roll call on the floor before finalizing the motion. - Commissioners flagged a previously…