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Mercer County adopts 2026 preliminary budget after line-item changes and a brief tabled review
Summary
The commission approved the 2026 Preliminary Budget after updating estimated Emergency Management revenues, shifting a 911 salary back into the Sheriff’s budget, raising the General Fund cash reserve to $2 million and increasing retirement by $9,000; the item was tabled earlier for revisions and later approved.
The Mercer County Commission on Aug. 6 adopted the 2026 Preliminary Budget after discussing several targeted changes and a brief tabling earlier in the meeting. Treasurer Dawn Grannis and Auditor Carmen Reed led the budget review and the board asked Reed to update the changes while vouchers were reviewed.
Key changes the board agreed to during the session included increasing Emergency Management estimated 2026 revenues from $7,789.77 to $37,000; restoring the $68,640 911 salary to the Sheriff’s budget rather than leaving it in the 911 fund; increasing the General Fund cash reserve from $1.5 million to $2.0 million; and raising General Fund retirement by $9,000. Commissioner Mark Pierce moved to approve the 2026 Preliminary Budget as presented; Commissioner Jamee Folk seconded and the board voted unanimously.
Commissioners also approved a $500 county contribution to the Mercer County Wellness Program walking challenge earlier in the meeting; HR/EM Director Alice Grinsteinner noted the program yields a 1% insurance premium reduction that she estimated could translate to about $16,000 in savings for 2026. The lodging reimbursement rate was updated to the new state rate of $110 per night, effective Aug. 1, 2025, and the board approved that change.
Auditor Reed will incorporate the agreed changes into the budget documents; the board took no final tax levy or adoption action beyond preliminary approval recorded at the meeting.
