Cherokee County outlines $2026 budget, proposes medical plan changes and 3% COLA

Cherokee County officials reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a Sept. 2 work session, with CFO Jimmy Marcus saying countywide expenditures are projected to rise by about $20.5 million (4.91%). The budget presentation included a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees, a proposed 10% increase in employee medical premiums and plan design changes county staff say will narrow an insurer's $3 million forecasted medical cost increase by about $2.37 million.

County officials say the proposed budget matters because it sets projected service levels, capital work and tax‑supported spending for the coming year. The administration portrayed the plan as balanced but noted one contingent area — medical claims — could require additional fund balance or other budget actions if insurer projections materialize.

Marcus told commissioners the county expects a roughly 5.38% increase in general fund revenues compared with 2025, driven primarily by property tax growth (about $6.9 million of the increase). Countywide capital and operating highlights presented include a total projected spend of roughly $101.7 million next fiscal year, $19.6 million of…