Marion County CIB approves 2026 budget, to use reserves for $35.5 million shortfall

The Marion County Capital Improvement Board of Managers voted to approve its 2026 budget and salary ranges and authorized using unrestricted operating reserves to cover a projected $35.5 million shortfall.

The approved 2026 budget shows revenues of $212,000,000, down about 10 percent from the 2025 budget, and expenses of $247,000,000, down about 9 percent from 2025, producing a net deficit of roughly $35.5 million. Board members approved the budget and the accompanying salary-grade resolution by voice vote during the meeting; the motion carried and the budget was adopted.

The board said the budgeted shortfall will be covered from the CIB’s unrestricted operating reserves. As of June 30, those reserves held $239,000,000; the board’s forecast assumes drawing on reserves so the balance would be about $173,500,000 if the budgeted deficit is realized.

Why it matters: board members and staff framed the deficit as a planned, temporary shortfall intended to preserve the organization’s ability to make opportunistic investments — for example, to underwrite large concerts or emergency repairs — without having to return to city and county fiscal bodies for supplemental appropriations.

Key budget details and board discussion - Revenue and expenses: The budget lists $212 million in revenue and $247 million in expenses. Admissions tax and hotel-related taxes remain important revenue streams; admissions tax was noted as up compared with…