Washington County outlines $506 million FY2026 budget, prioritizing education and public safety

Speaker 1 (Unidentified speaker/presenter) presented Washington County’s FY2026 budget and the county’s five core priorities for 2026: infrastructure, public safety, economic development, human services and education. The presentation said the board approved a FY2026 budget with total authority reported as $506,000,000, including $394,200,000 in operating funds and a $111,800,000 capital improvement plan.

The speaker broke down the general fund allocation by category, reporting education at 43% of the general fund, public safety at 29%, transfers at 4%, capital at 7%, state mandates at 2%, courts at 3% and other uses at 12%. "This budget reflects a clear commitment to responsible fiscal management while prioritizing education, public safety, job creation, and economic growth," Speaker 1 said.

County leaders framed the budget as part of the 250th anniversary year planning and tied the allocations to several near-term projects and programs the administration plans to pursue in 2026, from school funding increases to capital improvements in public safety training and roadwork. No formal vote details beyond the board’s adoption were provided in the transcript.

Next steps: officials said the budget has been adopted for FY2026 and will fund the capital program and operating priorities through the year.