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.