PRELIMINARY 2026 BUDGET FIGURES PRESENTED AT RECENT LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD MEETING

The Lincoln County Board got an early look at the preliminary budget during their meeting on Tuesday.

Finance Director Heather Marhine and Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse provided a brief summary. Budget approval is usually finalized in the fall, but the Board’s Finance Committee has been actively working on the 2026 spending plan. The initial draft serves as launching point for upcoming planning efforts as it typically reflects totals well exceeding levy limits. The operating levy for 2026 presented during Tuesday’s meeting was $14.2M. The state-imposed levy is $13M, leaving a +$1.2M surplus for consideration moving forward.

Not included in the preliminary budget are Pine Crest specific costs. An agreement of sale for the facility was approved by the Board on Tuesday which is set to go to closing in August. The Finance Committee also must consider equalized value and net new construction which will most likely be release in July.

A balanced budget is typically presented in September, with a formal approval in November following changes and amendments.