Manitowoc County’s 2026 budget proposal includes a slight property tax increase and a loss of some county jobs.
County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer shared the proposal with Seehafernews.com, calling it a “conservative budget that is holding the line on taxes; continues our low debt profile, has an aggressive highway maintenance plan, while having a robust capital spending program.”
Ziegelbauer estimates that local sales tax revenue will be approximately $7.8 million in 2025 and predicts it will be closer to $8.15 million in 2026.
However, this year’s tax levy will cause a typical county taxpayer to pay 2.6% more than last year in county property taxes.
He also made several proposals, including another year of aggressive county highway maintenance, which would involve borrowing $3 million for the resurfacing of 16.6 miles of roads.
Also included is the appropriation of $1 million for the Public Works Department to fund major maintenance of equipment and facilities as part of their continuous five-year program.
Additionally, a recommendation is made to transfer some remaining bond funds from Phase One of the Courthouse Dome project, estimated at around $227,000, to help initiate Phase Two of the dome’s renovation.
Ziegelbauer also wants to prioritize modernizing the sheriff’s office while focusing on expenses in the Human Services Department.
However, he is recommending cutting four positions from the Human Services Department and one from the County Health Department.
In an initial reaction, County Board Chairman Tyler Martell says on his Facebook page that he is very concerned that the county still needs to borrow money despite having sales tax revenue.
You can find the full proposal from Ziegelbauer at manitowoccountywi.gov.
