Hintz tackles 2026 budget early; looks ahead to 2027

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – It’s fall budget season, and Winnebago County is trying to get ahead of the curve for 2026 and 2027 as it makes a fiscal plan. 

“The real challenges, I think, for the county and for counties and cities across the country are going to be 2027 budgets, because the bill that was passed by Congress and signed by the president includes considerable cuts to counties, to Medicaid. Those cuts don’t start till 2027, after the 2026 election,” said Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz. 

In planning for 2026, Hintz kept in mind that some programs previously funded by the federal government might need to be cut or supported on a more local basis. He said he also wanted to update the budget process. The updated process included introducing the budget earlier, presenting it to the board earlier, and engaging with the public to collect feedback earlier.

To facilitate public input, Winnebago County has been holding budget listening sessions in different communities. Additionally, residents can download budget documents from the Reports page of the new Winnebago County website. There, you can find the full 181-page budget proposal, a concise budget brief, and a presentation on the budget. 

Budget proposal

Reflected in the Winnebago County Budget for 2026 are 27 departments, 1,200 employees, and a $235 million financial plan. The most significant portion of the spending plan is allocated to Operational Expenses, followed by Wages.

“We are a service-driven organization,” said Hintz. “We provide services to people with our people, and the most important asset, the most valued part of Winnebago County government, are our people? Whether it is our facilities, custodial, nursing home staff, nurses, social workers, sheriff’s deputies, highway workers–Everything we do is about serving the people and improving the lives of people in Winnebago County.”

Hintz called out that the 2026 budget is far from perfect and will have to utilize reserve funds. The 2026 budget has a $7.2 million deficit–down from the $8.5 million deficit in 2025. Hintz said he is already looking to reduce the deficit even further in 2027. And he has already begun looking at opportunities for cuts and changes.

Upcoming listening sessions

“I think one of the things that government, in general, at all levels, needs to do a better job of, is making it as easy as possible for people to weigh in, to ask questions, to be able to make it accessible,” Hintz said. 

All events will start at 6 pm.

• Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Omro Area Community Center, 1005 E Main St, Omro.
• Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Winneconne Municipal Center, 30 S. 1st St., Winneconne.
• Thursday, Oct. 9 at Neenah Police Department: DJ Forcey Jr Community Room, 2111 Marathon Ave, Neenah.

The proposed 2025 Winnebago County Budget will be presented to the Board at a budget workshop session at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27.

“By introducing it earlier, we hope that amendments to the budget are drafted and even taken up by committees earlier so that it is not things being written on napkins in the hallway. That the process might go smoother and even quicker. And have it be more deliberative, even if it’s a lot different from what I proposed,” said Hintz.

If needed, they will continue working on and discussing the budget at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29. All sessions will be on the fourth floor of the Winnebago County Courthouse at 415 Jackson in Oshkosh.