2026 Tentative Budget Materials

To the Honorable Legislators and Residents of Lewis County,

I am pleased to present the Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This budget reflects our continued commitment to responsible fiscal management, strategic investment in our community, and the delivery of high-quality services to our residents.

The FY 2026 budget was developed in the context of rising operational costs, evolving service demands, and a shared commitment to long-term sustainability. While we have made the strategic decision to use a portion of our fund balance to support key initiatives, we remain focused on growing and preserving our reserves to ensure financial resilience in the years ahead.

This year’s budget was shaped by the extraordinary efforts of our department heads, who worked diligently to streamline operations and reduce our full-time equivalent (FTE) count by 15 positions. This reduction was achieved without compromising service delivery and represents a significant step toward long-term cost containment and organizational efficiency—especially critical as we continue to face double-digit increases in health insurance and retirement costs.

Key Budget Highlights:

• Strategic use of fund balance to support one-time investments and maintain service levels.
• Reduction of 15 FTEs, helping offset rising benefit costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Investments in technology and equipment, including upgrades to critical systems, automation tools, and infrastructure that enhance service delivery and internal operations.
• Infrastructure improvements, including road maintenance, facility upgrades, and broadband expansion.
• Investments in training and development, ensuring our workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet evolving service demands.
• Strategic planning for growth, with funding for land use planning and economic development.

This budget supports the priorities of both our elected officials and the public through data-informed decision-making. By leveraging performance metrics, financial analysis, and community feedback, we have crafted a financial plan that aligns with Lewis County’s strategic goals and operational realities.

To further enhance transparency and accessibility, we have developed public-facing dashboards that will be available on the county’s website. These interactive tools will allow residents to explore how tax dollars are allocated, view departmental spending, and gain a clearer understanding of the county’s financial priorities.

As we enter FY 2026, we are positioning Lewis County to withstand potential changes in funding and mandates from the federal and state levels that could have detrimental impacts on our taxpayers. By maintaining a disciplined approach to budgeting, investing in operational efficiency, and strengthening our financial reserves, we are building a foundation that protects our community from fiscal uncertainty and ensures continuity of essential services.

Respectfully submitted,

Timothy Hunt
County Manager