UPDATE: In a contentious decision, Lewis County has approved its 2026 budget, tapping into $1.8 million in reserve funds to cover unexpected expenses. The Lewis County Board of Commissioners, during a public hearing on November 26, 2023, voted with a split decision, leaving many residents anxious about future financial stability.
The budget, totaling approximately $190.7 million, was passed without implementing the standard 1% tax increase allowed by state law. Instead, the county will rely on revenues from an administrative tax refund and new construction to fill budget gaps. This unexpected reliance on reserves has raised alarms among county officials and residents alike, particularly Commissioner Lindsey Pollock, who voted against the budget, warning it could lead to severe repercussions in 2027.
The decision not to increase property taxes was characterized as a move to avoid burdening taxpayers further. Commissioner Scott Brummer, who voted in favor, stated, “At this point, every dollar counts,” emphasizing the need for alternative revenue sources rather than repeated tax increases. However, the county will still see increases in property taxes for some residents through a projected $596,067.87 from administrative refunds and over $450,000 from new construction property taxes.
The controversy intensified as last-minute increases in expected expenses, particularly a staggering $1.2 million hike in insurance payments, prompted Pollock’s dissent. She expressed concerns that the current budget strategy would lead to a “disaster” in upcoming years.
Pollock proposed alternatives, including reducing a $1.4 million transfer from the roads budget to the sheriff’s office, but met resistance from both fellow commissioners and county Sheriff Rob Snaza. Snaza argued that cuts to his department would jeopardize law enforcement staffing, emphasizing the delicate balance between funding public safety and maintaining infrastructure.
As the budget process drew to a close, Pollock voiced her frustrations on social media, urging the public to understand the potential fallout from this year’s choices. “We’ve made it our goal to not leave disasters for future electeds to solve,” she lamented.
In response to Pollock’s claims, Brummer defended the budget’s integrity, asserting it was the result of “months of collaboration and responsible decision-making.” He expressed confidence that the budget would provide necessary services while respecting taxpayer concerns.
Moving forward, the county now faces a challenging first quarter of 2026. Unsettled labor union agreements may lead to increased staffing costs, and the funding for two deputies currently supported by opioid settlement dollars is expected to run out before the end of the year.
With these developments, Lewis County residents are left to ponder the implications of the newly approved budget on their community’s future. Will the use of reserves today set the stage for a more difficult financial landscape tomorrow? Only time will tell as the county navigates its fiscal challenges in the coming year.
Stay tuned for further updates as Lewis County grapples with the repercussions of its budget decisions.
