Hillsdale County approves 2026 budget after hours-long debate, approves transfers for jail nurse, 9-1-1 IT post and other line-item changes

The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners approved the county's 2026 general fund and associated special-revenue budgets at its Dec. 23 meeting after several hours of debate and multiple amendments.

The package the board adopted increased total 2026 appropriations and moved funds within and between accounts to cover wage adjustments driven by recent collective bargaining, to add a competitive pay adjustment for the jail nurse, and to fund an IT position related to the county's 9-1-1 radio and dispatch project.

Finance director Derek presented the proposed appropriation, which the resolution described as a $16.23 million general-fund revenue and expenditure budget for 2026 with a projected beginning fund balance of roughly $1.17 million. Commissioners moved and approved a series of budget amendments over the course of the meeting that reallocated revenue and expenditure lines across departments and special funds before the final vote.

One of the most contested items was a proposal to increase the jail's salary budget to raise the county jail nurse's hourly rate. Supporters argued the step was needed to retain licensed nursing staff and avoid far larger costs from contracting outside vendors; opponents said the change risked creating an exception to the county's wage-classification policy and that the timing was poor at the end of the budget cycle. The board ultimately approved an amendment that increased the jail pay line (the package recorded an increase tied to the nurse position totaling $15,007.18 in published worksheets) and authorized a transfer from a jail-reimbursement special fund to cover the cost.

The board also approved dedicating approximately $72,000 from special-revenue accounts to fund a shared IT position for county IT and the 9-1-1 center, with the expectation that a written contract would document the scope of work and reimbursement arrangement. Commissioners asked staff to prepare a contractual arrangement before the position is filled to ensure appropriate use of 9-1-1 surcharge funds.

Smaller amendments approved during the session included reallocations for EDP membership dues, a modest increase to planning/training and CPR training line items, and several internal reclassifications requested by department heads. Finance staff said the amendments were designed to reflect anticipated year-end activity, collective-bargaining outcomes and recently received revenues, including higher-than-budgeted recreational marijuana receipts in the current year.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 25-174 (2025 general-fund amendments): Passed, roll call 5-0. - Resolution 25-173 (special revenue and fund-specific amendments): Passed, roll call 5-0. - Resolution 25-175 (2026 general fund appropriation as amended): Passed as amended (roll-call tallies reported unanimous in final vote sequence where recorded). - Resolution 25-176 (2026 special revenue, debt and capital fund appropriations): Passed, roll call 5-0.

Why it matters The amendments reallocate roughly six-figure amounts among county funds and set compensation and staffing levels that will take effect in 2026. The jail nurse pay decision drew particular attention because it sets an immediate, non-systemwide pay adjustment to retain certified staff, while the IT position reflects a strategic investment in 9-1-1 and radio infrastructure that commissioners said should be formalized through a contract.

What's next Staff were tasked with preparing formal contracts and written agreements for the IT/9-1-1 shared position and to bring back any necessary follow-up paperwork or clean contract copies to the board at its January organizational meeting. The finance office will publish the final, amended budget documents in the county records.