Centre County commissioners adopted the county's 2026 budget and approved a resolution maintaining the property tax millage rate, the board announced at its year‑end meeting.

Richard, the county finance director, presented the budget and told the commissioners there was "no real estate tax increase." He outlined a $116,900,000 operating budget and a $3,100,000 capital budget for a reported total of $120,000,000. Total revenue was reported as about $115,000,000; the presentation said the year‑over‑year decrease reflected lower ARPA spending and the completion of the community service building. The budget process timeline and legally required public‑notice period were also summarized.

The board discussed fiscal context. Commissioners noted personnel and health‑insurance costs as major budget drivers and a forecast structural deficit that staff estimated near $2,000,000 (commissioners said such estimates often shrink during the year). Commissioners and staff also cited an unanticipated MAT grant described during the meeting as roughly $500,000 that offsets some pressures.

The board moved to adopt the 2026 budget "as presented" and approved the motion by voice vote. The board also approved Resolution 21 of 2025, which the county described as enacting a tax levy that leaves the millage rate at 7.84 (general millage and debt service components presented on the record). Both votes were taken by voice and recorded as carried.

Why it matters: Keeping the millage rate unchanged for another year preserves the current tax rate structure while the county navigates federal and state funding uncertainties and post‑ARP budget normalization. The operating budget priorities the presentation identified were human services, public safety and judicial functions.

Votes at a glance
- Approval of Dec. 16 minutes — motion carried (voice vote). (See meeting record.)
- Adoption of 2026 budget (operating $116.9M; capital $3.1M; total ~$120.0M) — motion carried (voice vote).
- Adoption of Resolution 21 of 2025 (property millage remains at 7.84) — motion carried (voice vote).
- Consent agenda and check run dated Dec. 19 — approved (voice vote).

Next steps: The presentation and votes conclude the board's formal adoption of the 2026 budget for Centre County. Staff will continue to monitor revenues and expenses and report as the fiscal year progresses.