LAYOFFS AND SPENDING CUTS COULD TRIM COUNTY BUDGET DEFECIT

Layoffs and spending cuts could come at the county level to help trim a $30 million deficit in the 2026 proposed budget.  The Trib reports that Commissioners approved advertising the spending plan, which tops out at $463 million in expenses, which represents an $11 million increase over 2025.  In an attempt to not raise property taxes, Commissioners say more cuts will be put in place over the next three weeks before the final budget is presented on December 18thfor approval.  Commissioners said planning for 2026 was made difficult by the four-month state budget impasse that halted allocations and forced county leaders to shift funds to ensure mandated social service programs continued to operate.