No Tax Hike For Washington County Residents

Washington County Commissioners were happy to announce that there will be no tax increase for residents in 2026. The 2.43 mil tax rate has been in effect since the 2010 budget. The total amount of money allocated for this year is $135 million. The finance department was able to craft together the balanced budget despite losing nearly $1 million in revenues due to the delayed approval of the state budget and the closure of the federal government. Commissioner Chairman Nick Sherman said those impacts forced the county to dip into its rainy day fund to provide services, but never did the county have to halt services in 2025 because of those impasses. Commissioner Electra Janis is proud that the county never cut services this year and she looks forward to possible expansion of services next year. Commissioner Larry Maggi voted to pass the budget but offered reservations about possible expansion of government next year. He said that he is not in favor of Sherman’s and Janis’ plans to incorporate the functions of the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission into the Human Services Department and create two administrative and 10 counseling positions. He offered his yes vote to make sure all other existing services in the county continue. According to a statement from the county, they have eliminated 16 positions through attrition. The budget passed unanimously.