The Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a $668 million budget for fiscal year 2026, with key investments in facility enhancements, playground equipment at Caledonia Lakeside and Millennium Parks, recreational trail maintenance, electronic court filing software and outdoor warning siren upgrades.
Before the vote several commissioners expressed concerns about the growth of government and the need to continually evaluate what is necessary.
Commissioner Stan Stek.
“Do I like growth for growth’s sake? No, but the fact is, we’re serving substantially more people than we did 10 years ago and that carries with it inevitable growth.’
Commissioner Michelle McCloud acknowledged the need for a focus on public safety but questioned how much.
“43% of our budget is related to safety from courts to the sheriff’s office and these sorts of things and less than 1% s related to health and human services and mental health.”
The county budgeted for 15.7 new full-time equivalent positions, including seven public safety roles, a parks manager, and three youth specialists for the Circuit Court childcare program.
Separately from the general budget, the Board allocated $8.9 million in “Ready By Five Early Childhood Millage” funds to support outreach, early learning programs, and parent education.
$18 million in Senior Millage funds was allocated to essential services for older adults.
For more details, visit Kent County Board of Commissioners' budget webpage.
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