Hancock County Commission approves 25-26 budget
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NEW CUMBERLAND - Hancock County Commissioners approved a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year today, estimated to be around $10.5 million.
It represents a reduction of approximately $1.3 million compared to the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, with commissioners noting reductions will be made, on some level, to all departments.
"The discussions have been very difficult," explained Commission President Eron Chek. "Nobody can remember the last time cuts were made."
One of the main areas targeted will be the sheriff’s department, which Chek explained represents approximately 34% of the county’s budget.
Commissioners noted while cuts are still anticipated, plans now call for those reductions to be split between the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 fiscal years, with the county’s special projects fund being used to supplement the sheriff’s budget.
Another point of concern raised during the commission’s March 13 meeting was funding for the county’s volunteer fire departments.
Chek announced plans for the next two fiscal years will see all volunteer fire departments in Hancock County continue to receive their allotments of $44,000, with departments in New Cumberland and Chester funded through special projects funds, and all other departments receiving support through the general revenue fund.