Ferguson Township adopts 2026 operating budget after split vote

Ferguson Township on Tuesday adopted its 2026 operating budget following a public hearing and split board vote. The board voted 3–2 to approve the plan that the township manager presented as the operating program for Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026.

At the public hearing, resident Trevor White said the township’s projected general fund balance "is expected to be approximately $11,300,000 at the start of FY 2026," and urged officials to consider a countywide reassessment tied to municipal commitments to remain revenue neutral. Manager (name as in the record) confirmed budget assumptions and told the board that the fund balance projections exceed Government Finance Officers Association best practices.

Board debate centered on the tradeoffs between drawing on reserves and raising taxes. Supervisor Stevens said she could not support the budget as presented, arguing that "taking money from our general funds ... does not ... seem fiscally responsible" in uncertain fiscal times. Supervisor Heller moved to adopt the resolution to approve the operating budget; the motion was seconded and the board took a roll‑call vote: Thompson yes; Patterson no; Stevens no; Heller yes; Strickland yes. The resolution passed 3–2.

The budget contains the line‑item and capital proposals described in the staff narrative included in the agenda packet. Supporters said the budget preserves township services including public safety, road maintenance and community programs; opponents warned sustained use of reserves could reduce future fiscal flexibility. The board approved the budget as presented; staff said they will continue to monitor revenues and expenditures and report back to the board as needed.

The approval completes the formal budget process for 2026; any implementation questions will be handled by township staff during the fiscal year.