Pulaski County adopts 2026 budget after brief dissent

Pulaski County commissioners and council members voted to adopt the county's 2026 budget as finalized at the board's previous meeting. The motion was made and seconded and carried with one recorded no vote by Ken.

The budget the board approved reflects the adjustments discussed at the public hearing, county staff said. Staff reported year‑to‑date revenue of about $600,013.35 as of Sept. 30 and said the budget had been reduced from the originally published figure through salary reductions and other cuts. Health insurance costs were cited as a significant factor; staff said insurers increased rates roughly 12 percent and the county raised the health insurance appropriation from about $900,000 to $1.8 million in response.

Board members asked whether specific reductions tied to positions removed from the proposed budget had already been pulled from departmental allocations; staff confirmed those amounts would be removed and the affected budgets would be reduced accordingly. During discussion one commissioner said the county's cash reserves would cover the shortfall for now but cautioned that reserves are dwindling.

After debate, AJ moved to adopt the budget as finalized earlier, Brad seconded, and the board voted. Ken recorded the lone dissenting vote; the remaining members voted in favor.

The board did not set a separate timeline for any further cuts at the meeting; staff said they would continue to monitor revenues and expenses and return to the board if additional appropriations or adjustments are required.