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Lincoln County adopts fiscal 2025–26 budget after debate over shortfall and funding sources
Summary
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025‑31, setting appropriations for fiscal 2025–26, after discussing a roughly $1 million shortfall and plans to use Local Assistance/Tribal funds and existing federal receipts to offset the gap; the resolution passed in a roll‑call vote.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners adopted the county’s final operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26 on Sept. 3, approving Resolution 2025‑31 after a public hearing and internal discussion about a projected deficit.
The resolution, read into the record by the clerk/recorder, sets appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, and documents statutory requirements for publication and public hearing under Montana law. During the reading county officials announced the mill value and appropriation totals for the year.
Commissioners opened the floor to public comment on the budget. A member of the public asked whether about a $1 million deficit was accurate and which fund would cover it. A county official responded that the county expects to use earnings and principal from a Local Assistance/Tribal Fund (LF) previously invested from appropriations to offset wage increases and help cover the shortfall.
Board members discussed budget balancing steps already taken and the longer‑term revenue challenge. Commissioners said they had made cuts but noted continued demand for services amid constrained property‑tax bases and a large proportion of federally owned land that limits taxable value. They cited PILT payments and potential timber‑receipt changes in the new farm bill as factors that could materially affect the county’s fiscal position.
Following discussion and a correction to a previously cited public‑hearing date, the board voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑31. The roll call indicated the resolution passed with two votes in favor and one opposed. Commissioners also noted that further budget amendments will be needed as unforeseen items arise.
Why it matters: the adopted budget sets spending limits and tax calculations for the coming year and lays out how the county will use a mix of federal receipts, grants and limited local revenue to sustain services. The discussion highlighted structural constraints for rural counties that rely on timber receipts and federal PILT payments.
Next steps: commissioners said they expect to bring forward specific budget amendments as required and to continue pursuing revenue through timber sales and federal programs.
