Sullivan County 2026 Budget to Include Property Tax Hike; Public Hearings Scheduled

Sullivan County residents are facing a property tax increase in 2026, as the county prepares to release a tentative budget that will exceed the 2% state tax cap, according to Dan Hust, Communications Director for Sullivan County Government. Falling sales tax revenue and rising costs for healthcare, equipment, and supplies are driving the increase.County Manager Joshua Potosek will formally present the tentative budget to the legislature on Wednesday, Oct. 30, outlining recommendations to address a projected $5 million shortfall in sales tax revenue and inflationary cost pressures.“This budget is going to be a little tricky for the legislators and residents this year,” said Hust. “There is going to be a tax increase. That is a certainty, and I will have more details to share next week when the tentative budget is released.”Two public hearings are scheduled for residents to provide input at the Government Center in Monticello:Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 5:00 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 4 at 10:45 a.m.Hust emphasized that public feedback is crucial. “Legislators will be making the decision ultimately. The tentative budget comes from the county manager saying, ‘This is how I recommend that you approach everything.’ But in the end, this budget is going to be owned by the legislature and the people who elected them,” he said.He encouraged residents to go beyond simply opposing a tax hike. “If you want to be most effective, don’t come and just say, ‘I don’t want a tax hike.’ Explain why you don’t, say what you think shouldn’t be funded, and what you think should be funded. Legislators are listening.”Supporting materials explaining the proposed tax increase and budget priorities will be released alongside the tentative budget. Residents unable to attend the hearings can submit feedback via email to the legislative clerk.