Winnebago County logo. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors met Monday night to approve the county’s 2026 budget.
It passed by a vote of 34-2. County Executive Gordon Hintz proposed the $238 million spending plan last month after hosting multiple listening sessions to get input from residents and businesses.
In a news release, Hintz said the budget represents “the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, efficient government and strategic investments that strengthen our local communities and workforce.” He said the plan maintains core services, addresses workforce needs and invests in long-term priorities identified in the county’s strategic plan.
Highlights of the budget, according to Hintz, include:
- 3% market adjustment and 2% achievable merit pay to recruit and retain employees
- Reduced use of reserve funds
- Strengthened core county services adding targeted resources in public safety, election administration, Human Services, Emergency Management and Parks to maintain reliable services and meet state and federal requirements
- Secure and stable funding for the Homelessness, Eviction & Loss Prevention (HELP) program
- Preservation of Fox Cities campus cultural assets (Barlow Planetarium, Communication Arts Center and Fieldhouse)
- Increased investment in the Capital Improvement Program for county infrastructure needs including Parks improvements, Solid Waste infrastructure and long-term planning, facility modernization and IT upgrades
- Enhanced cost-recovery to fund programs and reduce reliance on property taxes for services
“This budget isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. It invests in our workforce, supports families and builds a foundation for future growth,” Hintz said in the release. “It’s responsible, forward-looking and focused on things that matter most to residents: safe communities, strong infrastructure and the ability to meet people’s needs efficiently and effectively.”
Comments