Cole County adopts $64.4 million operating budget for 2026 The Cole County Commission adopted the 2026 budget, approving $64.4 million in operating revenues, $60.1 million in operating expenses (a $4.3 million operating surplus) and $32.8 million in capital improvements. Commissioners approved a 1% cost-of-living adjustment plus a $750 stipend.

Cole County has just approved a $64.4 million budget for 2026, showcasing a $4.3 million surplus and major capital improvements!

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Cole County commission advances 2026 revenue forecast, defers sheriff lieutenant hire amid funding questions Commissioners reviewed revenue projections for the 2026 budget — including property‑tax, sales and use tax estimates — approved public notice for a Jan. 8 hearing, and postponed a proposed sheriff lieutenant hire pending confirmed opioid/use‑tax funding.

Cole County commissioners are grappling with 2026 budget projections while postponing a crucial sheriff lieutenant hire due to funding uncertainties.

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Cole County auditor presents 2026 budget; reserves drop and law-enforcement fund flagged County Auditor Jay presented a proposed 2026 budget projecting $64 million in revenues (a $2 million, 3% drop) and $93.8 million in expenses, warning general-fund reserves could fall from $31.1 million to $17.4 million and flagging very low reserves in the law-enforcement sales tax fund. Commissioners voted to receive the recommendation into the 
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Cole County's proposed 2026 budget reveals a concerning drop in reserves and increasing pressures on public safety funding, sparking urgent discussions among commissioners.

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Cole County auditor presents 2026 budget; commission receives recommendation County Auditor Jay presented a proposed 2026 budget projecting $64 million in revenues and $93.8 million in expenses, warned of shrinking reserves and a stressed law-enforcement sales-tax fund, and the commission voted to receive the auditor's recommendation into the record.

Cole County's proposed 2026 budget reveals a $2 million revenue drop and looming concerns over shrinking reserves, sparking a critical conversation about public safety funding.

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County Budget Committee discusses pretrial salaries and WIC position changes Committee reviews salary adjustments for pretrial services and approves changes in WIC staffing.

Cole County's budget discussions are heating up as officials grapple with salary adjustments and funding complexities that could reshape services for residents next year.

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Commission awards bid to Don Steeders Construction for Wildwood project amidst budget adjustments Commission reallocates budget to address cost overruns and approves Wildwood project contract.

Cole County officials are tackling budget overruns head-on, revealing strategic moves to save hundreds of thousands while pushing crucial projects forward.

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