Winnebago County Board adopts 2026 budget

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors voted Monday night to adopt the 2026 County budget.

The $238 million spending plan invests in the long-term priorities identified in the county’s strategic plan while maintaining core services and addressing workforce needs. 

“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,” County Executive Gordon Hintz said in a press 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.”

Key Budget Highlights

• 3 percent market adjustment and 2 percent 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 successful Homelessness, Eviction & Loss Prevention (HELP) program
• Preservation of Fox Cities Campus cultural assets (Barlow Planetarium, Communications 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

In this budget cycle, Hintz hosted multiple listening sessions across the county, and 10 committee meetings reviewed department-level budgets. 

The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors voted 34 to 2 to approve the budget.