Shawano County supervisors approved their 2026 budget Oct. 22.
The $76.55 million budget includes a $21.3 million gross county tax levy, with the remainder of revenues coming from state and federal funds, plus service fees.
The tax levy consists of $16.75 million for general county operations; $4.42 million for debt service; $130,189 for bridge aid; and $202.15 for property taxes charged back.
Nichole Zuehl, finance director, said the state revenue limits are determined by net new construction in the county, which increased $194,832.29 or 1.17%.
The tax levy mill rate decreased from the prior year by 23 cents per $1,000 property value or 5.68%. The operating levy increased by $240,537 or 1.46%. The debt service has increased by $1.02 million or 4.79%. Also included in the budget, and approved by the board just prior to signing off on the budget, is a short-term borrowing plan.
Debt service will increase due to borrowing $3 million to fund part of the 2025 capital improvement projects that include $1.8 million for highway paving and $1.18 million for road and bridge construction.
The intent is to pay off the note in 30 days. Interest will be just over $14,000.
Tom Kautza, board chairman, said the borrowing is the state’s way of playing a shell game.
The state limits the levy amount the county can use for operations while allowing borrowing for capital projects. So instead of the county budgeting funds for those projects, it can use the funds for other operating costs and then borrow for the larger projects. The move simply allows the county to use tax dollars for debt payments instead of operating costs.
The capital projects were also approved by resolution by the board prior to adopting the budget.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
