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County administrator warns of likely cuts as Marathon County begins 2026 budget development
Summary
Marathon County Administrator told the Public Safety Committee the 2026 budget process is underway and that the county will likely leave several vacant positions unfunded, while seeking rate and fee adjustments to help balance rising personnel costs.
Marathon County Administrator Jess Leonard told the Public Safety Committee on Sept. 9 that 2026 budget preparation is underway and that the county will likely need to reduce funded positions to balance rising personnel costs.
Leonard said initial department meetings are complete and follow-up sessions are scheduled, but the county is not yet at a balanced budget. "We're not there yet," Leonard said, adding that a central budget issue is how to handle rates and fees and how adjustments should align with recent wage and fringe increases.
Leonard said the…
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