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Board approves 2026 mid-year budget amendments amid revenue shifts and rising health costs
Summary
Commissioners approved mid-year budget adjustments after hearing that marijuana tax revenue fell short of projections while property tax receipts were slightly higher; officials flagged $8M in employee health insurance costs and a $2M actuarial increase to retiree health liabilities.
Calhoun County commissioners approved 2026 mid-year budget amendments after staff outlined revenue shortfalls and rising costs.
County administrators said marijuana tax revenue has fallen "drastically" from prior budget expectations while property tax receipts were slightly above forecast. Kelly Scott said retiree health liabilities (OPEB) rose by about $2,000,000 due to changes in actuarial assumptions, even as net pension liability decreased from $21,000,000 to $10,000,000. Scott also said employee health insurance costs remain a major pressure, describing them as "something like, what, dollars 8,000,000 a year out of our $60,000,000 budget." Commissioners discussed ongoing litigation with the City of Battle Creek and asked for a closed-session update on strategy and legal spending.
After discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the mid-year amendments. Staff said they will continue monitoring costs through year-end and plan a year-end amendment in December if needed.
