No tax hike in Washington County’s 2026 budget
It will be the 16th straight year that taxes have held steady in the county.
By the MVI
Washington County property owners will not see a county tax hike next year.
On Thursday, the Washington County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2026 budget, marking the 16th consecutive year without a tax increase.
The budget passage follows extensive discussions with county departments and partner organizations amid delays in state and federal budget approvals, which temporarily disrupted funding for essential programs.
“This year’s budget presented a level of difficulty we had never seen before,” said Chair Nick Sherman. “Without government funding flowing through to support vital programs, we had to temporarily draw from our rainy-day fund. Although the fund was reimbursed, we lost the interest earnings that money would normally generate each year.”
Washington County’s finance department reported that interest earnings from 2024 to 2025 were approximately $1 million lower due to the delayed reimbursements. Despite the challenge, commissioners balanced the $135 million budget without raising the tax rate, leaving it at 2.43 mil.
“Not only are we being responsible with taxpayers’ dollars, but we are also expanding services for residents across the board,” said Vice Chair Electra Janis. “While other counties are cutting aging services, we have kept all of our senior centers, meal programs and transportation services fully operational.”
Prior to voting, Commissioner Larry Maggi made a note to the public that he knows there is a vital need to fund the row offices, public safety and more so he will vote yes, but does not agree with money earmarked to take on drug and alcohol services within the county Department of Human Services if that plan is approved by the state.
“I do not agree with the funding earmarked to create a new government bureaucracy to handle the job that the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission has done well for over 20 years,” Maggi said. “I do not support the funding for these new positions, and I will not support their creation later, but since there are essential services needed to be provided by the county, I voted yes on the budget.”
In 2026, the budget will fund the demolition of the Courthouse Square building, which has become a safety hazard and is no longer structurally sound. A new Public Safety Center will be built on the site, serving as a central hub for emergency services and a regional resource for first responders.
Residents will also see continued redevelopment at the Washington Mall property, where demolition and site restoration will open the door to new economic opportunities and jobs at a site that has stood vacant for years.
To help manage increasing costs, the county has applied for multiple grants, including funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its vehicle fleet with hybrid vehicles. County leaders are reviewing each new position to decide ongoing need, a process that has already led to the elimination of 16 roles from the budget through attrition.
