Vernon County adopts 2026 budget, approves $12.7M levy and $4.76M borrowing

The Vernon County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2026 budget and a 2025 tax levy of $12,723,380 (payable in 2026) at its Nov. 20 meeting, and approved an initial resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation promissory notes not to exceed $4,761,213 to finance capital improvements.

Admin Coordinator Hannan presented the proposed budget, explaining the county’s strategy of borrowing for capital expenditures and noting a proposed 1% cost-of-living adjustment plus a 2% step increase where applicable. Hannan said the county’s health insurance premium is projected to decline about 2.5 percent. The board approved the initial borrowing resolution on a roll call vote of 18–1 (Supv Muller voting nay). The levy figure and borrowing authorization were included in the package the board adopted later in the meeting.

Board debate included discussion of the SMRT regional transit service and the cost and ridership figures for the route. Hannan told supervisors that the operational cost of a one-way SMRT ride is $43.00 and that ridership has fallen to roughly 30 riders per day across routes; supervisors subsequently approved an amendment to the budget to add a $15,000 contribution for SMRT using excess sales tax revenue. One amendment to restore $12,500 for the Vernon County Historical Society using Ho-Chunk funds failed on a roll call vote (5–13–1). The final budget adoption vote was recorded as 18 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent/excused.

The resolution authorizing the notes cites Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes as the enabling authority; the initial resolution was passed to allow the county to finance multiple capital projects, including highway improvements and equipment purchases. The board also approved routine procedural motions, minutes, and committee reports before adjourning at 12:06 p.m.