County Board Approves FY2026 Budget

The Sangamon County Board on Monday approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, adopting a balanced $216.6 million spending plan that continues the County’s long record of careful financial management. The budget again holds the line on property taxes, keeping the rate lower today than it was 33 years ago—an achievement county officials highlighted as part of their ongoing commitment to responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

The FY2026 plan remains balanced with no deficit spending. County leaders noted that the budget allows Sangamon County to continue living within its means, paying bills on time, and maintaining a strong financial footing. They emphasized that the core priorities remain unchanged: stable pension and healthcare funds, limited debt, reasonable reserves, and delivering services without increasing the property tax rate.

Overall spending is up 37.4 percent from the current fiscal year, driven largely by major capital projects and the continued use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The general fund totals $67.4 million—an increase of 7.8 percent from FY2025—while total appropriations across all funds come to $216.6 million.

Revenues are expected to grow modestly, supported by a steady property tax base and higher state-shared tax distributions. Property taxes are projected at $41.5 million, a 3.8 percent increase from last year, and state-shared revenue is expected to climb more than 12 percent to $19.9 million. The County’s property tax rate is projected at 0.7377, keeping the levy below the rate taxpayers paid more than three decades ago and remaining well within state tax cap limits.

On the spending side, payroll and benefits are estimated at $69.4 million, up 6.8 percent due to cost-of-living adjustments and rising health insurance expenses. Pension costs are expected to grow 19 percent to $6.6 million, and employee health insurance will rise to $11.9 million, up 25 percent. Even with these increases, the County does not anticipate any layoffs; staffing changes will instead come from reorganization and efficiency improvements.

Several departments will see notable funding increases in FY2026, including two areas county officials highlighted as essential to public safety and community support. The Sheriff’s Office will receive a 10.9 percent increase, totaling roughly $2.7 million in additional funding to support rising operational costs, add a new Training and Compliance Sergeant, and create a Corrections Lieutenant position. The Veteran’s Assistance Commission will also see a substantial 26.3 percent increase, with its budget rising by approximately $145,683—a reflection of growing service needs among local veterans and the County’s commitment to strengthening direct assistance programs. These increases, officials noted, were made possible while still maintaining a balanced budget and keeping the property tax rate lower than it was 33 years ago.

Several major capital projects will continue into FY2026, including the Springfield–Sangamon County Hub, improvements to Woodside and Iron Bridge Road, construction of the Community Services Building, and courthouse renovations. The County’s share of these and related projects is roughly $64 million, funded through a blend of grants, bonds, and ARPA dollars.

“We do maintain reasonable reserves for emergencies and contingencies—for things like a Massey Commission,” Sangamon County Administrator Brian McFadden said. “We always operate within the constraints of the tax caps, and once again, our property tax rate is lower than it was 33 years ago.”

“For the employees who are here tonight from the Auditor’s Office, I want to recognize the work they’ve put in over the past few months to help build a sound, tightly constructed budget,” County Board member Greg Stumpf said.

The budget also reduces the County’s total employee headcount by 16 positions, bringing the number of full-time staff to 726. The reductions come without layoffs, with some positions added in public safety and for Heartland Housed balanced out by decreases in several administrative departments.

County officials closed their presentation by reiterating the principles that continue to guide Sangamon County’s financial approach: maintaining a balanced budget, avoiding deficit spending, living within its means, supporting sound pension and healthcare systems, limiting debt, preserving reserves, and operating responsibly under tax cap restrictions.

The FY2026 budget will take effect on December 1, 2025.