La Crosse County sets budget packet schedule and anticipates CPIU increase for 2026 contracts

La Crosse County Human Services told its network of CCS and CLTS vendors that 2026 budget packets will be emailed Aug. 25–27 and must be returned by Sept. 12, with contracts prepared this fall to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Paul Metinger, the county's contract unit supervisor, led the presentation and described two phases of the packet process: phase one for base-rate negotiation and phase two to apply the consumer price index update (CPIU) for years two and three.

The county said many contracts will qualify for a CPIU adjustment based on the July CPIU figures; staff said the July number has hovered around 2.4–2.5% and reminded vendors the CPIU increase is capped at 3%. Metinger said vendors receiving non‑negotiable state-set rates (for example, some CLTS W rates and CCS residential rates) will not receive a budget packet for renegotiation.

County staff explained that phase-one packets include a face sheet, salary and fringe breakdown, expense distribution and profit calculation to support rate requests; vendors may sign to continue the prior year's rate or submit a budget request form to seek a new rate. The unit estimates on the packet will determine each contract's total dollar amount, and vendors were urged to notify staff if estimates seem inaccurate.

Metinger said the county will send out budget packets by the end of next month and will prepare contracts throughout the fall. He asked vendors with questions to contact the contract unit and noted exceptions such as multi‑year fixed contracts and services set by RFPs or state rates.