Washington County adopts balanced $25.1 million 2026 budget

The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Dec. 24 to adopt the 2026 Annual Appropriations Resolution, setting County General Fund appropriations at $25,143,756.61. The measure passed on a 3–0 roll-call vote.

Commissioner Greg Nohe said the resolution represents a balanced budget "without using budget stabilization funds." President Charlie L. Schilling said the budget reflects county priorities, including public safety, and noted a $1.5 million investment in the Port Authority intended to support economic and workforce development.

The commissioners also allocated 30% of sales tax revenue to the county engineer and townships and set aside $150,000 for capital improvements. Schilling summarized changes in year-over-year carryover as being driven in part by the Port Authority investment. The board said projected revenues align closely with the appropriations total.

The vote followed routine procedural approvals earlier in the meeting and comes ahead of the county's organizational meeting scheduled for Jan. 5. The resolution will govern appropriations for departments including the auditor, sheriff, building department and common pleas court in 2026.