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Barry County public hearing draws opposition to proposed 2026 budget and possible jail millage
Summary
At an Oct. 28 public hearing the Barry County Board of Commissioners heard extended public comment opposing inclusion of a jail millage in the proposed 2026 budget. Commenters raised questions about fund balances, contingency amounts, staffing and alternatives to taxing residents for a new jail.
Barry County residents told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 28 that the proposed 2026 budget should not rely on a millage to pay for a new jail and that the county should pursue internal restructuring and other funding before asking taxpayers to pay more.
During unlimited public comment and again in the formal public hearing, speakers said the budget’s inclusion of a potential jail millage and large capital outlays conflicted with the county’s reported high fund balances. Gary White, who spoke during the unlimited public-comment period, said, “2 state reps have already said you have no money coming from the state to build a jail.” He also criticized the plan to show…
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