Wayne County Council Budget Workshop of September 29, 2026

Wayne County Council 2027 budget workshop, September 29, 2026: Council members reviewed revenue projections and departmental budgets, debating the gap between a draft budget of about $45.2 million and a consultant’s estimate of roughly $35 million in revenue. No final budget was adopted; members planned to update figures before the upcoming public hearings. The workshop made several proposed budget adjustments, including reducing the election budget from about $171,000 to approximately $90,500 and lowering the coroner’s autopsy line from $163,000 to $100,000, with the understanding that departments could request additional appropriations if needed. Potential election-equipment purchases were discussed but not approved: estimates mentioned were approximately $46,590 and $60,480, and any replacement would be considered using one-time funds if required.

The council discussed continuing negotiations on the animal-control contract, maintaining Purdue Extension funding at about $140,000 while awaiting a service assessment, and developing a proposal for a dedicated non-reverting fund for future 911 and dispatch capital needs. That fund proposal is to return after the first of the year and requires further review; no contract award or equipment purchase was approved. Members also discussed compensation adjustments and planned to revise budget figures before the next hearings. A separate contract amount, including the ambulance contract, remained unresolved. No procurement award or final budget vote was identified in the transcript.