Douglas County commission adopts 2026 operating and CIP budget; votes 4-1 to exceed revenue-neutral rate

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 27 adopted the countys 2026 operating and capital improvement budget and approved a separate resolution to levy property taxes exceeding the states revenue-neutral rate.

The commission approved a resolution (Res. No. 25-31) to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue-neutral rate by a 4-1 roll-call vote and later adopted the 2026 operating and CIP budget by a 5-0 voice vote. Finance staff told the commission the adopted budget totals approximately $202.6 million when non-appropriated funds are included; the budget authority for appropriated funds was described as about $184 million.

Brooke Sauer, Douglas County finance manager, described the totals during staffs presentation: "The proposed budget before you tonight includes approximately $184,000,000 in budget authority for fiscal year 2026 for those budgeted funds." Sauer also noted the $202.6 million figure excludes certain non-appropriated funds and a workers compensation fund that staff consider operational.

Why it matters: the adopted budget funds county services, capital projects and a sizable behavioral health fund.…