Sauk County Board adopts 2026 budget and tax levy after public hearing
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Summary
The Sauk County Board voted 26–0 on Nov. 11 to adopt the 2026 budget and set taxes payable in 2026; public commenters urged continued funding for the Sauk County Health Care Center and raised concerns about jail staffing and the county’s ICE contract.
The Sauk County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 76 20 25 on Nov. 11, adopting the county’s 2026 budget and establishing property taxes for 2025 payable in 2026.
The finance committee’s resolution passed by a recorded tally of 26 in favor, none opposed, with four supervisors absent. Supervisor McAuliffe thanked staff for the work on the budget: "I'd like to thank the staff that came up with this budget. These are we're in trying times, and I know it's been a lot of work, and I appreciate the wisdom concessions folks have made."
Why it matters: The budget decision sets county revenue and service levels for the coming year, including funding decisions affecting the Sauk County Health Care Center. Multiple public commenters during the prior public hearing urged the board to fully support the nursing home after speakers said previous staffing reductions had reduced capacity and could push the county to rely more on contractors.
Key details in public record: During the hearing a speaker noted the nursing home is "budgeted to operate without any levy, property tax levy use for 2026," which the board had presented in budget materials. Several residents warned that long-term staffing reductions (a commenter said 56 FTEs had been eliminated at the nursing home since 2020) could impair the facility’s ability to meet rising demand.
Board action and vote: After discussion the board voted to adopt Resolution 76 20 25; the chair announced "We have 26 in favor. Nobody in opposition. 4 supervisors absent and excused. Folks, we have a budget." The resolution directs county administration to implement the approved budget and levy for the 2025 tax year payable in 2026.
Next steps: Implementation responsibilities fall to county administration and department managers; the board recorded the vote and moved on to other agenda items, including a grant application for campus redevelopment and a closed-session consultation with counsel on separate litigation.
