Proposed 2026 Sheboygan County Budget includes decrease in property tax rate
The 2026 budget reflects the 10th consecutive year the property tax rate has gone down
SHEBOYGAN — The proposed 2026 Sheboygan County Budget is $216.1 million, including $54.7 million of property tax levy.
In addition to the property tax levy, the budget primarily consists of federal, state, sales tax, and user fee revenue. The annual budget supports 19 departments and 950 employees implementing over 200 programs and services.
The budget includes a property tax levy increase of 1.72%, or $923,828. The proposed property tax rate is $3.25, a decrease of 9.3%, or 33 cents, from the 2025 rate of $3.58. As a result, on a $100,000 home, property taxes will decrease $33.31. The 2026 budget reflects the 10th consecutive year the property tax rate has gone down.
“I am incredibly proud of the 2026 Budget our team has put forward,” said County Administrator Alayne Krause. “It truly reflects the culture of collaboration that is a key to Sheboygan County’s success.” Krause added that Sheboygan County has a long history of success. “Over the years, we have maintained an excellent bond rating and healthy fiscal reserves, while still making critical investments across all departments.”
County Board Chairman Keith Abler said the budget process, which officially begins several months earlier in June, continues to go smoothly. “Our budget process continues to be highly effective and collaborative. Every year, we work together to set our overall budget goals and specific department levy targets. This shared process ensures we deliver a balanced and cost-effective budget that responsibly fits within our limited resources, all while maintaining the programs and services our residents value the most,” Abler said.
Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Koch is also pleased with the proposed budget. “Since the 2016 Budget, the average annual increase in the property tax levy has been 1.24%. Inflation has averaged over 3.0% annually over the same period,” said Koch. “It is a real testament to the strong leadership and teamwork we have in the County.”
A public hearing on the proposed 2026 Budget will be held on Tuesday, October 28th with final approval of the budget on Tuesday, November 4th.
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