What happened: Midland County proposed a $244 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26. Commissioners unanimously approved the budget and accompanying tax rate on first reading on Aug. 19. Both items return for second reading on Sept. 16.

Why it matters: The plan lowers the property tax rate. Even with rising property values, the average homeowner should see about a 6% decrease in their bill.

Go deeper: While property and sales tax revenues continue to grow, they do not keep pace with spending. So, the county will draw heavily on reserves.

Key points:

  • Taxes and revenue: Revenues total $185.3 million, up $13.2 million from last year. Property taxes will generate $78.7 million, up $1.2 million from last year. The county projects sales tax at $70 million, up $6 million.

  • Public safety and the courts: Public safety and corrections will total $45.1 million, up $1.8 million from last year. The courts will total $32 million, up $1.5 million from last year. Together, they account for nearly a third of total spending.

  • Roads and highways: The county budgeted $14.2 million for roads and bridges, slightly down $1.8 million from last year. This fund supports road maintenance, bridge repair, and related operations across Midland County.

  • Capital outlay and debt: The county set capital outlay, which is one-time spending for big projects and equipment such as buildings, and infrastructure, at $73.4 million, up $23.9 million from last year. Debt service will total $12.3 million, the same as last year.

The bottom line: The county is relying on $58.7 million from reserves to cover a share of spending this year. The reserves fund balance will fall from $138.5 million to $79.8 million by the end of FY 2026.