Hancock County approves $15.9 million 2026 budget; tax levy rises 11.64%

Hancock County commissioners voted Dec. 2, 2025, to adopt a $15,921,293 budget for 2026, approving measures to raise $11,000,007.07 in property tax revenue and to exceed statutory caps because of what a commissioner described as "extraordinary circumstances." The motion to approve the budget was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Commissioners also approved a $250,000 addition to the Department 11 GL cap account, bringing that account to $2,641,463, and voted to exceed the GL funding cap limit for 2026 by the same amount. Officials explained those adjustments were needed to finalize departmental allocations before the start of the fiscal year.

During discussion, a finance update noted receipt of a modest gift payment of about $80,000 and an anticipated payment from a county wind project. Commissioners debated short-term cash-flow options for the county jail but deferred any extraordinary transfers until the next meeting.

The approved budget documents recorded an increase in the county tax levy of 11.64% (an increase of $1,147,277 over the 2025 amount raised through taxation) and showed $462,256.52 above the LD 1 target. Commissioners voted to exceed the county assessment limit for 2026 to accommodate the adopted spending plan.

The commission approved the budget by roll call/voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion was carried with all present voting "Aye." The board directed staff to proceed with the implementation steps for the 2026 budget and to revisit narrower cash-flow discussions for the jail at the next meeting.

Next steps: the commission authorized signing of the budget documents and scheduled follow-up financial discussions for the next session.