Sagadahoc County adopts FY2026 budget after 2-1 vote

Sagadahoc County commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday to adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget, authorizing county operations from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

The budget passed after commissioners heard a public comment praising the budget advisory committee and held a lengthier internal discussion about the county's use of contingency funds and the effect on property taxpayers. "I just wanna thank you guys for the dedication and hard work that went into the budget... it's a good budget," resident Carol Gross told the commissioners during the public-comment period.

Why it matters: Commissioners said adopting the budget now allows county operations and planned projects to proceed on schedule. Opponents said parts of the budget rely on contingency funds to cover known expenses and risk raising the tax rate; supporters said the county has a designated fund balance to cover short-term needs without a large tax increase.

Key facts: The motion to authorize "the fiscal 20 26 budget to support Saginaw County operations from 07/01/2025 to 06/30/2026" (as recorded in the meeting) passed by a count of two in favor and one opposed. Commissioners noted that the county’s designated fund balance stands at $1,300,000 and that the county faces roughly $600,000 in known personnel liabilities for overtime and leave. A commissioner who opposed the measure said they preferred using short-term borrowing or the undesignated fund balance rather than drawing down contingencies and potentially increasing the tax rate.

Several commissioners said they had worked to hold the tax rate down. One commissioner described the budget as risky but manageable, citing unspent funds in other accounts and expected turnover that could reduce personnel costs before year end. The county treasurer declined to participate in debate, saying their role precluded public advocacy during the vote.

Process and next steps: The board held a public hearing on the budget the prior day and reported no public comment at that hearing. With this vote, the FY2026 budget becomes effective July 1, 2025. Commissioners discussed that a citizen-initiated petition could still be a future risk to the adopted budget, and they said staff will monitor revenues and expenses closely through the fiscal year.

Ending: Commissioners said they plan to revisit long-range capital planning later in the year, after FY2026 revenues and year-end balances are clearer.