The Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2026 budget and property tax levy on a 14–10 vote after extended debate over wage incentives, the use of one‑time funds and internal personnel policy language.

The vote followed a failed amendment to reduce a proposed 4% highway department wage incentive to 2% and reallocate approximately $82,931.76 to reduce borrowing for capital projects. Supervisor Metzger introduced the amendment arguing that ‘‘all the employees should be treated equally’’ and that the county must watch spending; supporters of the original wage provision said the highway department has five current vacancies and needs higher starting wages to recruit and retain staff. The amendment failed on a roll call vote.

A separate motion to strike proposed changes to the county’s nepotism policy from the budget passed. Supervisor Metzger said the proposed language ‘‘is kind of limiting’’ and recommended sending the matter to the personnel committee; speakers on both sides urged the board to review personnel policy through the proper committee process. The clerk announced that the nepotism lines were removed from the resolution prior to final passage.

Public comment earlier in the meeting set a critical tone for some supervisors. Michelle Hayes, who identified herself as a resident, told the board she lacked confidence in the budget and accused the county executive of repeatedly allowing departments to ‘‘scramble to patch holes’’ instead of planning ahead. ‘‘Responsible leadership means making the hard decisions early,’’ she said.

Several supervisors urged caution about relying on one‑time revenues. Board members cited approximately $7.5 million the county received from the half‑percent sales tax last year and warned that opioid settlement funds, ARPA allocations and other nonrecurring monies have been used to backfill recurring operations. Supervisor Behnke and others noted that using one‑time money to cover ongoing expenses increases fiscal risk and shifts costs into future budgets.

The budget package that passed includes a 2% base wage increase for employees (and other targeted adjustments adopted by the finance committee) and funds the sheriff’s request for a body‑worn camera system; supporters described vendor reports from neighboring counties and expected operational benefits. Supervisor Lillibridge, who reviewed the Axon system with Brown County and Appleton officials, said those agencies gave positive feedback.

Board discussion also flagged debt and borrowing concerns. Supervisors cited a projected debt-service ledger in the budget near $31.9 million and warned that continued borrowing to ‘‘soften’’ tax impacts is not sustainable if interest rates rise. Several members urged more long‑term planning, earlier committee engagement and better use of monthly budget‑vs‑actual reports to identify problems sooner.

The resolution to adopt the 2026 budget and property levy, as amended on the floor to remove the nepotism language, passed 14–10. The board also approved other routine items during the meeting, including a $39,000 grant for vaccine storage and equipment, and adopted an ordinance creating an independent Information Systems Department separate from public works supervision.

Next steps: the county executive will receive the adopted budget for his consideration; supervisors were asked to keep dates open should a veto override session be required.