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Kalkaska County projects $550,000 shortfall as board begins 2026 budget reviews
Summary
County Administrator/CFO Patrick Whiteford told commissioners the preliminary 2026 budget is about $10 million, with roughly $6.6 million in wages and fringes, and a $550,000 shortfall; the board scheduled follow‑up meetings and insurance will be discussed on Nov. 12.
County Administrator/CFO Patrick Whiteford opened the Oct. 29 budget workshop by presenting a preliminary figure of about $10 million for the 2026 county budget and saying roughly $6.6 million of that total is for wages and fringe benefits. Whiteford told the board there is a preliminary shortfall of about $550,000 that staff and commissioners must address in coming meetings.
Accountant Corinna Hervey reported to the board that the share of the budget devoted to wages and benefits has remained fairly consistent over recent years, a datapoint the board said it would use while considering staffing and service requests. Whiteford also noted that Dewey Insurance will present to the board on Nov. 12 and that insurance costs rose about 5% this year, smaller than the prior year’s jump. The board scheduled additional appointments and follow‑up on staffing and capital items at future meetings, including possible reviews on Oct. 30 and Nov. 6.
