Centered on Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Responsible Spending Without Raising Taxes

On Monday, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the Hamilton County Commission. The proposal reflects a disciplined and balanced approach—prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and responsible stewardship—continuing a three-year trend under Mayor Wamp of meeting the county’s needs without raising taxes.

“In a year shaped by inflationary pressures, slower revenue growth, and historic investments to modernize school facilities, we’ve crafted a budget that stays focused on what matters most to the people of Hamilton County: safe communities, reliable infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility,” said Mayor Wamp. “We’re proposing a budget that meets essential needs without asking taxpayers for more.”

Public safety is essential for a strong community—and this budget ensures those core services are prioritized. The FY26 budget proposal directs the majority of new revenue to essential public safety services, including the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County EMS, animal control, and volunteer fire departments—core services that keep our communities safe.

In an approach that balances fiscal discipline with long-term planning, the FY26 budget proposal comes on the heels of the largest road infrastructure investment in Hamilton County’s history—all without raising taxes.

Since 2022, the county has paved more than 188 lane miles and committed $19.4 million to road improvements, underscoring the county’s commitment to infrastructure, even in a tight fiscal year. This year’s proposal continues the progress with an additional $2.55 million allocation for paving.

This year’s budget reaffirms our commitment to the nearly 2,000 county employees who serve Hamilton County every day. Despite a tight fiscal year, the proposed budget includes a modest pay increase for county employees, along with a proposed one-time inflation supplement (which excludes the commission or mayor’s office) to help offset cost-of-living challenges—part of the administration’s effort to retain top talent and ensure high-quality public service.

In addition to targeted investments, Mayor Wamp prioritized fiscal discipline through the work of the County Efficiency Task Force. Over a four-month period, the task force identified $3.7 million in immediate savings by freezing chronically vacant positions, renegotiating contracts, and implementing smarter controls—from printing and phone usage to fleet management. These savings are built into the FY26 budget, reflecting a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Even in a tight fiscal environment, the FY26 budget meets Hamilton County’s most pressing needs without proposing a tax increase. It reflects a continued commitment to disciplined budgeting—ensuring every dollar aligns with the priorities of the citizens of Hamilton County.

The FY26 budget proposal will be reviewed by the County Commission in the coming weeks, with a final vote expected in mid-June.