Seneca County releases budget plan, cites rising mandates and long-term investments

Seneca County has released its 2026 tentative budget, outlining a $116.46 million spending plan that officials say balances inflation, state mandates, and local investment needs — while preparing for long-term infrastructure improvements.

The proposed budget reflects a $5.5 million increase over last year, largely driven by health insurance and retirement cost hikes, wage increases, and required spending on state-mandated programs.

Deputy County Manager Melissa Taylor acknowledged the increase but emphasized that Seneca County remains one of the lowest-taxing counties in the state when measured by total levy.

The tentative plan includes a $19.17 million property tax levy, which would raise the county’s tax rate from $3.64 to $4.85 per $1,000 of assessed value. For a home assessed at $130,000, that means an increase of roughly $157 per year, or $13 per month.

What’s driving the increase?

County leaders say the jump is mostly tied to mandates and inflation. The local share of Medicaid alone is up nearly $464,000. Health insurance costs are projected to rise 18%, and retirement costs are climbing by 21.9%. Wages and fringe benefits add another $5.65 million to the budget, as the county tries to stay competitive in a tight labor market.

To help soften the blow, the county is budgeting for increased sales tax revenues and interest earnings, and will draw selectively from reserve funds, including the Highway Fund and General Fund.

Priorities and investments

Despite the challenges, the 2026 budget outlines several key priorities:

• Strengthening public health, mental health, aging, and human services
• Maintaining strong public safety funding, which accounts for over a third of the tax levy
• Investing in workforce recruitment and retention
• Launching formal capital improvement planning
• Funding debt service for a new highway building and relocation of the county’s mental health office

Board of Supervisors Chairman Michael Enslow called the budget “honest,” adding: “The cost pressures we face are real, and they are driven largely by mandates we do not control. Our job is to be transparent with taxpayers while making responsible decisions that protect core services and keep Seneca County moving forward.”

What’s next?

The Board of Supervisors will now review the proposal and hold public hearings before adopting a final budget. County officials encourage residents to participate and provide feedback on the plan.

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