Warren County keeps tax rate steady, approves budget and multiple amendments

The Warren County Commission approved the county’s 2026 tax levy and adopted the fiscal budget and several related amendments on June 26, voting unanimously on major items.

Finance staff presented a tax‑levy resolution that recommended no increase; the commission recorded a roll‑call vote of 20–0 in favor. The county’s finance chair highlighted that the county remains among the lower property‑tax counties in the state and emphasized budget provisions that include a $1,500 pay raise and a $500 bonus for full‑time employees.

Nonprofit appropriations and amendments: Commissioners debated an amendment to a nonprofit appropriation list that would remove a $5,000 contribution to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and redirect that $5,000 to the Warren County Emergency Food Bank while staff pursues grant funding. The transcript records the amendment vote as passing in committee and the amendment was placed on the resolution; the final appropriation resolution passed on a subsequent roll-call.

Other approved items: A range of budget amendments (numbers 10–17 in the packet) covering sheriff jail medical overages, camera and radio purchases, school fund adjustments (medical insurance, summer program supports), highway overtime and other housekeeping items were passed unanimously. Commissioners also approved appropriation resolutions for capital projects (including $153,000 toward a school clinic expansion) and increased contributions to volunteer fire departments.

Quotes: "We recommended no tax increase," the finance presenter stated when introducing the levy; on nonprofit funding a commissioner explained the $5,000 reallocation was intended to prioritize health and welfare‑related services.

Outcome and next steps: The tax levy and budget resolutions take effect immediately as adopted; staff and committees will execute the approved amendments and pursue grant opportunities for substituted nonprofit funding.