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Henry County approves 2026 budget, includes 5% COLA and sets stage for law‑enforcement sales tax discussion
Summary
Henry County commissioners approved the 2026 budget after a public hearing; the budget shows an increase in available cash, includes a 5% cost‑of‑living raise for employees and elected officials, and the commission discussed placing a quarter‑cent sales tax on a future ballot to fund law enforcement.
Commissioners in Henry County approved the county's 2026 budget after a formal public hearing and brief discussion on contracts and line‑item details. The budget message, read into the record by county budget staff, listed a 2026 starting available cash balance for the general revenue fund of $12,108,945.27 and noted adjustments for insurance and interest income.
The budget package approved by the commission includes a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for county employees and the salary commission's approved 5% COLA for elected and salaried officials. "The 2026 fiscal year begins with an increase in available cash of $12,108,945.27," the budget message stated, and the presentation reminded commissioners that health care and property liability insurance costs remain significant pressures.
During the hearing, commissioners discussed a contract with Davis Township to add insurance, FICA and health‑care costs into the township agreement; staff said they would provide clearer numbers before signatures are finalized. The budget officer explained that the law‑enforcement fund had been restructured in 2025 — with revenues and expenses shifted into the general revenue fund except for bond payments — and noted that the inmate security fund will continue to pay inmate meals and extradition expenses.
Commissioners raised the issue of replacing a quarter‑cent sales tax for law enforcement once the jail bond is retired in 2027. The budget message said the current quarter‑cent sales tax brings in about $900,000 and pays roughly $550,000 for the bond payment, leaving approximately $350,000 for other law‑enforcement uses. Commissioners discussed pursuing ballot language and acknowledged a January 27 deadline to certify language for an April election.
A commissioner moved to approve the budget during the meeting and another seconded the motion. The motion carried after an oral vote. County staff said the approved budget would be scanned, posted online and sent to the state once required signatures are obtained.
Next steps: staff will finalize contracted amounts with Davis Township, secure outstanding signatures, publish the budget document online and prepare any sample ballot language and attorney guidance for the proposed sales‑tax question.
