Marathon County staff present 2026 budget assumptions, urge direction on compensation, fees and facilities

Marathon County administrators presented draft assumptions and policy questions for the 2026 budget at the Resources, Finance and Property Committee, asking supervisors to give early direction on priorities including employee compensation, rates and fees, and potential facility disposals.

Administrator Leonard and staff framed three core policy questions for committees: which programs/services the county should provide within limits of state statute; the desired level of service (quality and timeliness); and how much of the cost should be recovered through fees versus county taxes. Leonard said the county uses a mandatory/discretionary program document to show which services are required by statute and which have fee flexibility.

The packet shows a countywide operating budget of approximately $200,000,000, with roughly $55,000,000 funded by the property tax levy and the remainder from other sources including sales tax, fees and grants. Staff recommended initial revenue assumptions that include a net new construction placeholder of 1.75% (final Department of Revenue number expected August 1), a sales tax budget of $16,300,000, a…