Lincoln County Closes $900,000 Budget Gap in 2027 Spending Plan

Lincoln County officials have eliminated a projected $900,000 budget deficit as work continues on the county’s 2027 spending plan.

Finance Director Korey Bloch presented supervisors with an updated budget draft during Tuesday’s County Board meeting. The proposal includes a property tax levy of approximately $13.6 million, an increase of about $300,000 from the previous year.

Despite the higher levy, the county’s average mill rate is projected to decline. The draft attributes that outlook to a 6.9% increase in equalized property values and a 1.3% increase in net new construction. The projected mill-rate decrease is 2.6% for townships and slightly more than 2% for cities.

The updated spending plan also reflects increased funding for emergency medical services following a new joint EMS agreement with the City of Merrill. Other budget pressures include rising information technology software costs and ongoing capital maintenance expenses. County sales tax revenue has continued to grow, providing additional support for the budget. The county summary attributes that growth in part to investments in recreation and tourism promotion.

The budget remains subject to approval. The finalized 2027 spending plan is expected to return to the Lincoln County Board for consideration in November, as municipalities and school districts continue their own budget planning.