Henderson County judge unveils $39.9 million 2026–27 budget emphasizing roads, raises and jail expansion

County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider presented a $39.9 million draft 2026–27 budget at a May 6 special called meeting, saying the plan follows his theme of “Small Steps, Big Projects” and focuses county spending on roads, IT security, volunteer fire department training and staff pay increases.

Schneider told the Fiscal Court the overall budget total falls from roughly $43.0 million to $39.9 million because of the non‑recurrence of several one‑time items from the prior year. He proposed limiting departmental increases to 3% and said he would give staff a flat raise of $2,500 or 3%, whichever is higher.

The Judge outlined key revenue-line changes: real property receipts are budgeted at $3,350,000 and the occupational tax at $3,415,000. Insurance premium tax receipts were halved to $2,000,000, and interest income was projected at $1,062,045. Schneider also reported transfers out decreasing to $3,836,662.

Several grant items were moved out of the Road Fund to reflect accounting for time‑bound awards. Schneider said last year’s $2.0 million Safe Streets grant will now show under federal grants, and an $80,000 SS4 highway grant is reflected under state grants; the Road Fund therefore shows about $1,776,400 as recurring revenue. County Engineer Nick Stallings said the county expects to expend roughly $1,500,000 of a $2.0 million State Streets grant before the award lapses and noted a $1.0 million Federal Land Access Program (F.L.A.P.) grant will flow through the federal grants fund.

Schneider said the General Assembly reduced County Road Aid to about $1,282,400 this year and that Henderson County does not qualify for the Local Assistance Road Program (L.A.R.P.) because its roads score too well to meet that program’s threshold. He proposed budgeting $3,000,000 to the Local Government Economic Assistance (LGEA) fund from Coal Severance proceeds—funds that, he said, would be used primarily (about 90%) for road resurfacing and make LGEA largely self‑sustaining.

Jailer Todd told the court the detention center’s Federal Prisoners line increased to $4,591,700, Federal Communications to $400,000 and federal transports to $295,000, and said plans for a jail expansion are progressing; Schneider said expansion costs will be added after hiring a construction manager, with a tentative 60/40 split between the General Fund and Jail Fund.

On the General Fund side, Schneider said contingency appropriations fall sharply from $5,453,000 to $500,000 because prior contingency items—about $1.5 million to the Henderson County Water District and $2.5 million anticipated for the Audubon Park Conference Center—are no longer in the budget. The county assumed full responsibility for Judicial Center maintenance this year and the Judicial Center rental payment to the county was increased by $200,000 to help offset costs.

Department heads outlined other notable changes. County Clerk Renesa Abner said deputy salaries average a 5% raise (performance‑based), and that a new tax software rollout—shared with the Sheriff and County Attorney offices and provided free for six months—raised the tax line; she also increased training and elections budgets to cover primary and general election costs. Sheriff Stauffer said technology subscriptions and equipment needs are rising and requested two new patrol vehicles plus a transport vehicle. IT Director Jacobs flagged higher IT and security costs and said the county website must be made ADA compliant.

The budget also increases employee support and program funding: Employee Assistance Program appropriations rise from $70,000 to $235,000 because the county will provide access to the Deaconess At Work Clinic for basic care and prescriptions. Schneider proposed distributions to outside entities including $200,000 to the City of Henderson for a natural gas extension from Geneva to Smith Mills, $38,000 to Henderson County High School’s CTE program for Firefighter 1 training, and $200,000 reserved to respond if a Habitat for Humanity build opportunity arises.

Under LGEA appropriations the county added $1,450,000 for District 3 resurfacing, increased each volunteer fire department’s allocation by $14,000, funded mowing and detention‑basin maintenance at Canoe Creek, and included money for a Grain Bin Training Facility. Schneider said ARPA spending is effectively concluded except for about $38,000 earmarked for VFD grants and a small interest balance to be spent by July 1, 2026.

There was no formal vote on the budget at the special meeting. With no further business, Magistrate Southard moved to adjourn; Magistrate Berry seconded and the court adjourned. Schneider signed the minutes and Fiscal Court Clerk Angela Comer attested.