The 2026 fiscal year budget is now finalized for Lyon County.
Following a pair of public hearings as part of their regular action meeting Thursday, county commissioners gave approval to the $40 million budget that includes $33 million in levied funds and a mill rate of 56.818, down slightly from the prior year’s mark of 56.972. Before approving the budget, commissioners engaged in a lengthy discussion with local taxpayers who expressed several concerns, including increases in property taxes and what they considered to be a practice of “overspending” by the county.
Commissioners noted Thursday, and throughout the budgeting process, that this year’s budget was subject to many cuts with first-term Commissioner Chris Bartel, who ran for office on a platform of reduced spending, pointing to annual appropriations and various line items as examples of this.
Another sentiment expressed by residents in attendance Thursday was that commissioners were not being “Good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” and need to better prioritize “wants versus needs.” Commissioner Doug Peck, who has just completed his fifth budgeting cycle, stated that needs were the only focus for the commission this year, starting with personnel.
Bartel and Commission Chair Ken Duft echoed Peck’s sentiment, saying they were sharply focused on funding the greatest needs for the county this year, with Bartel saying that will likely continue to be the path forward. He added that if current trends, such as the loss of businesses and employers, continue at the rate we have seen recently, it is very likely that the county may have to narrow the already slim list of needs by next year.
When asked his thoughts on the cuts that have been made for the 2026 budget, Duft stated that he does not believe the quantity of dollars nixed will affect the quality of services county residents have come to expect.
At the end of his interview, Peck did take a moment to thank all of the county residents who took time to come and have their voices heard Thursday, saying it is heartening to see taxpayers take an active role in the processes that most impact them.
In other business Thursday, commissioners approved placing the newly proposed 911 Emergency Communications facility project, set to be located on a 19-acre tract of land at West South Avenue, out to bid. Separately, commissioners also approved authorizing a community development block grant funding application in support of Flint Hills Technical College and related documents, human resources policy updates and a new moving permit application from Lyon County Engineer Wayne Scritchfield.
The Lyon County Commission will reconvene for its regular meeting next Thursday inside the Lyon County Courthouse Commission Chambers.
