Cass County adopts 2026 budget calendar and directs departments to target 0% budget growth amid new legislative caps

The Cass County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 budget memo and calendar and adopted a set of directives aimed at meeting new legislative budget caps. The motion passed unanimously.

County finance staff presented a calendar that schedules budget hearings from July 23–25 and reminded the board that the Cass County Home Rule Charter requires the budget be approved on or before Oct. 1. The finance presentation outlined six directives for department heads: take a conservative fiscal approach for two years; target a 0% increase in departmental operating budgets excluding staffing costs; institute a hiring freeze for new FTEs in the 2026 budget year; require justification for any budget increases above the 0% target; proactively identify cost‑reduction opportunities; and hold final review meetings with each portfolio commissioner and finance staff.

Finance staff recommended evaluating options to balance the budget that include reducing or eliminating unfunded mandates (noting roughly $4,400,000 in items referenced from the 2025 budget), shifting mill levies between funds where appropriate, and preserving the county building fund to avoid deferred maintenance and borrowing. The finance memo also recommended a policy change to target a fund balance ratio of 30–40% to align with a higher credit rating; such a policy change would require separate commission approval.

Commissioners praised staff for the work preparing the guidance. Commissioner Grinberg and others said the directives provide a clear starting point for departments to "sharpen their pencils" as the county prepares for caps under recent legislation. The board moved and seconded to accept the suggested motion; roll call recorded unanimous approval. Staff will distribute the budget direction and calendar to department heads and return with any required policy proposals for fund-balance changes.