In its first budget session since the state legislature passed Senate Enrolled Act 1, Lake County will maintain its 2025 budget levels as it plans the 2026 budget, said Lake County Council finance director Scott Schmal.

The Lake County Council will have to be “a little more mindful and thoughtful” as it creates the 2026 budget, Schmal said during the council’s budget workshop Thursday.

While the county’s growth quotient was 4%, which means the county can increase its property tax levy by 4%, about 80% of that growth quotient “is carved out” toward homestead credits, which is a new component of the Senate Enrolled Act, Schmal said.

That leaves about $1 million for the county to utilize, Schmal said, but most of that has been committed to cover contracts or state-mandated funds.

“Any inc

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