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Lawrence County adopts provisional 2026 budget for publication, sets Sept. 2 public hearing
Summary
The commission approved the provisional 2026 budget for publication, including a proposed 3% cost-of-living raise for employees and a contingency for an approximately 10% health-insurance increase; a public hearing was scheduled for Sept. 2 at 9:30 a.m.
The Lawrence County Commission voted to approve a provisional 2026 budget for publication and set a public hearing for Sept. 2 at 9:30 a.m. The provisional budget includes a proposed 3% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees and factors in a 10% projected increase in health-insurance costs, with final insurance rates to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Auditor/finance staff presented a small set of adjustments since the last draft — including staffing pay adjustments for the jail nurse and physician assistant and a $48,000 line for pickup replacement — and confirmed the provisional document will be published as required by state law for public comment. Commissioners noted South Dakota’s current inflation trend and said a 3% COLA was reasonable pending final health‑insurance numbers.
Why it matters: Publishing a provisional budget starts the formal review period and sets a docketed public hearing where taxpayers and other stakeholders can offer input before the board adopts a final budget. The provisional document can be amended prior to final adoption.
What’s next: County staff will publish the provisional budget notice, accept public comment at the Sept. 2 hearing, and return to the commission with any changes prior to final adoption.
