Wayne County Council Meeting of October 7, 2026

The Wayne County Council’s October 7, 2026 meeting included the first public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget. The financial consultant reported projected 2027 revenues of $35.761 million and an estimated $9 million in carryover cash, compared with a draft budget of about $44.2 million; projected 2026 underspending of roughly $4.5 million was also discussed. Council members raised concerns about drawing down reserves and noted that estimated property-tax-cap losses of more than $6 million had been accounted for. The budget was not adopted at this hearing and was expected to return for action in about two weeks.

The EDC presented a proposed $85,000 engagement with KSM Advisors for a five-year strategic plan, selected after an RFP process that received four proposals; the request was referred to the finance committee rather than approved at this meeting. The EDC also sought support for a Make My Move contract requiring a $100,000 county contribution, with $160,000 from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; that funding request was likewise to be addressed through finance. Council approved an application for the annual Emergency Management Performance Grant, which reimburses staff salaries. Capital-project updates included completion and payment of $1.4 million for the Gorge Park project, an operational emergency communications tower, and potential funding gaps of about $200,000 each for remaining ARPA-related work and Main Street Revitalization. The courthouse elevator was being reconsidered with preliminary costs and possible bid approaches still pending.