Modest changes in new county budget

In the last year before a new state law reshapes municipal financing, Jefferson County’s latest budget looks a great deal like last year’s.

The County Commission on Sept. 2 approved a 2025-26 budget of $29.6 million, up 2.7% from last year and more than 15% from five years ago.

The county may end up spending considerably less than planned: in recent years, expenditures have been much lower than the budgeted totals. In 2024-25, for example, the city budgeted $28.8 million but spent $22.1 million, or 23% less than planned.