2026 Preliminary Richland County Budget presented

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – County Administrator, Tricia Clements, gave a report on the 2026 Preliminary Budget to the Richland County Executive & Finance Standing Committee last night (Monday). The budget highlights include: advancement of one step on the wage scale for all full-time employees; the addition of a Radio Tower Technician & Radio Tower operations funding; restructuring of administration, Symons, Emergency Services, and Health & Human Services staff; and a focus on maintaining and enhancing cyber security.

The revenue for the budget will come from taxes which includes County Sales tax, interest on taxes, and Managed Forest Law and Forest Crop. State Aid. Regulation & Compliance, which includes fines, forfeitures, and various fees. Public Charges for Services which includes departmental fees charged within the county. Other General Revenues which includes various non-department fees, Pine Valley rebated funds, and Short-Term Borrowing. Investment income. Highway Department income which includes General Transportation Aid, operational, Town Bridge 50/50 Cost Share, Wheel Tax, and State Maintenance Agreements; and the Tax Levy. The total budgeted revenues are $51,890,990.

The expense summary includes: General Administration. Public Safety which includes the Sheriff’s Department, Ambulance, Emergency Government, Animal Control, and Local Emergency Planning Committees. Health & Social Services, which includes Pine Valley, Child Support, and Veterans. The Tri-County Airport. Highway: Administration. Cultural which includes Libraries and the County Fair. Public Areas, such as Snowmobile trails and areas, county parks, Ash Creek Community Forest, and Symons. The Extension Office. Natural Resources. County Planning. County Development. Debt Service Payments; and Capital Projects. The total budgeted expenses for 2026 is $51,890,990 for a balanced budget.

The total preliminary tax levy for 2026 is $10,851,250, an increase of $510,245 from 2025.

Following the presentation of the proposed 2026 preliminary budget, the Executive & Finance Committee approved a Municipal Advisory Agreement with Wisconsin Public Finance Professionals, LLC, to facilitate the issuance of $1,085,000 tax-exempt promissory notes. This issuance of short-term borrowing is included in the proposed 2026 budget. The resolution will now move onto the full board of supervisors.