Lancaster County administrator proposes balanced FY2026 budget with no millage increase; funds public safety, ERP and detention medical staffing

Lancaster County Administrator presented the county’s recommended fiscal year 2026 budget to the Lancaster County Council, proposing a balanced plan that would not raise the county’s millage rate while using growth and existing fund balance for one‑time items and investments in staff and facilities.

The administrator’s recommendation includes a 5% across‑the‑board pay increase for county employees, an increase in the county minimum pay to $15 per hour for full‑ and part‑time staff, funding for 28 full‑time positions prioritized by departments, and $6.96 million in additional recurring general‑fund spending that the presentation said can be covered without a millage increase by using growth dollars and $3.0 million estimated additional fund balance. The proposal also sets aside one‑time fund‑balance appropriations for capital and maintenance needs, and advances several stormwater and trail projects identified in the county’s capital improvement plan (CIP).

Why it matters: the recommendation affects the county’s operating budget, staffing and capital program without increasing property tax rates on existing properties (the presentation explained that state law requires a millage rollback in reassessment years). Council members pressed for detail on several high‑cost, operational items that will affect public safety response and county services.

Major elements and staff requests

- Compensation and positions: The recommended budget factors a 5% across‑the‑board salary adjustment for full‑ and part‑time staff and raises the county minimum wage to $15 per hour (the presentation identified an estimated $451,000 cost for the minimum‑wage change and roughly $2.5 million for the 5% increase). The administrator identified 28 full‑time positions as…