Lucas County commissioners approve 2026 general fund budget and $11.8 million capital plan

Lucas County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the county’s 2026 general fund appropriation resolution and an $11.8 million capital plan after a presentation from the county’s administration and Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The board recorded affirmative roll-call votes on the motion to adopt the appropriation.

Administrator Ford and OMB director John Wenzlick said the 2026 general fund budget forecasts $196.7 million in revenue against $208.8 million in expenses, producing a projected shortfall of roughly $12.1 million. Wenzlick noted that stronger-than-expected 2025 receipts — including higher property tax, sales tax and interest income — helped produce an anticipated $3.2 million surplus for 2025.

"Projections show that our expenses are outpacing revenue in 2026 by about $12,100,000," Administrator Ford said during the presentation, adding that the county has one-time funding and healthy reserves to manage the gap. Wenzlick told commissioners the budget prioritizes workforce investments, building maintenance and economic-development support while holding many departmental funding levels flat.

The approved capital plan lists repair and preservation projects across county facilities, including courthouse façade work, multiple jail repairs (waterproofing and roof work) and investments in building systems and generators. Wenzlick said the county intends to fund the recommended capital plan with a transfer from the general fund but cautioned that doing so will draw cash balances close to reserve levels.

Commissioner Cebecchi thanked OMB staff and described the early delivery of the budget and quarterly meetings with elected officials as factors that improved budgeting and collaboration. Commissioner Gerken, who reflected on two decades of budget work, emphasized a conservative approach and cited the 2025 decision not to build a jail as a key fiscal choice. Commissioner Lopez highlighted transparency and noted Wenzlick’s service to the county.

The motion to approve the 2026 appropriation resolution and capital plan passed on a unanimous roll call. Commissioners also directed staff to continue monitoring revenues and expenses during the year and to use the facility condition assessment (to be negotiated with a vendor) to refine capital priorities and timing.

What’s next: staff will negotiate and bring forward a contract for a facility condition assessment, with the goal of completing the assessment by the first quarter of 2026 and using its findings to scope and schedule capital projects.