Lincoln County’s 2026 Budget Reflects Tough Choices as Costs Continue to Rise

“This is a needs year, not a wants year.”

That’s how Lincoln County Clerk Kenneth Schulte summarized the county’s financial position as the Lincoln County Commission unanimously approved the 2026 county budget in a 3–0 vote.

The approved budget reflects mounting pressure from rising fixed costs, reduced revenue sources, and increasing demand for county services, forcing officials to prioritize essential operations while limiting new spending.

Rising Costs and Lost Revenue

Several major financial pressures continue to shape Lincoln County’s budget.

One of the most significant drivers is the sharp increase in employee healthcare costs, which has pushed operating expenses higher across multiple departments.

At the same time, the county is experiencing the loss of marijuana tax revenue, which had previously contributed to county funding. The reduction of that revenue has further limited flexibility as expenses continue to rise.

Fuel costs also remain a concern, particularly for departments that rely on daily vehicle use, including public safety, road maintenance, and other essential services.

Together, these factors have required the county to focus on maintaining core services rather than expanding programs or adding discretionary spending.

Where the Money Goes

While the county budget covers many functions, a few areas account for the largest share of county spending and are most visible to residents.

Road and Bridge

Road and Bridge operations represent one of the largest portions of the county budget, reflecting the cost of maintaining hundreds of miles of county roads and bridges in a largely rural county.

Funding supports:

• Road resurfacing and routine maintenance

• Bridge inspections and repairs

• Heavy equipment operation and upkeep

• Fuel and materials

Because these operations are equipment- and fuel-intensive, rising costs have had a direct impact on this portion of the budget, even without expanding projects.

Courts and Prosecutor

Funding for the courts and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also represents a meaningful share of county spending.

These costs are largely non-discretionary and include:

• Case processing and court operations

• Prosecutorial staff and legal support

Case volume and legal requirements drive these expenses, limiting the county’s ability to reduce costs without affecting the justice system.

Sheriff’s Department: Cuts Made, Priorities Protected

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department continues to operate under financial pressure while handling increasing demands for service.

Sheriff Rick Harrell said staffing challenges remain a significant concern as costs rise and resources tighten.

“As staffing levels drop, the impact on public safety is real,” Harrell said in written communication provided to Lincoln CountyWatch. “Fewer patrol deputies mean longer response times and less proactive policing. Fewer detectives mean fewer resources to follow up on serious crimes, longer investigations, and less time to work complex cases.”

Harrell noted that the department has faced significant funding losses, including reduced revenue from fewer federal inmates being housed, the loss of marijuana tax revenue, and the county’s lack of a use tax, all of which have compounded budget pressure.

Despite those challenges, difficult cuts were made to control costs while preserving core public safety priorities.

“Protecting our children should always be the top priority,” Harrell said. “This is why no School Resource Officer positions were a part of the reduction in force. We still have SROs in every school district of the county.”

A Budget Focused on Essentials

Rather than expanding services, the 2026 budget reflects a focus on sustaining core operations while managing unavoidable increases in healthcare, fuel, staffing, and infrastructure costs.

The budget highlights the balancing act facing Lincoln County: maintaining public safety, roads, courts, and essential services while navigating rising expenses and fewer flexible revenue sources.

As Schulte stated at the outset, the budget was built around what the county needs, not what it might want.

Want to Read the Budget Yourself?

Residents who want a deeper look at the numbers can review the full county budget and supporting documents here.

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This article was written by John Eads.

For tips, documents, or information related to county government or public spending, contact tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com or 636-377-0201.

All information provided is based on available sources and is subject to change. Lincoln CountyWatch does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party information.