Wayne County Starts 2026 With $43M Balanced Budget and No Tax Increase

Wayne County commissioners are beginning the new year with a $43.4 million balanced budget for 2026 — and it comes with no tax increase. The plan funds a three-percent wage increase for county employees and supports infrastructure, public safety, and community projects across the county.“The way we covered the three percent increase on the budget was we had additional boarding fees from boarding prisoners from other correctional facilities,” said Brian Smith, Wayne County Commissioner. “We also had some addition to our set values on newly built homes.”County leaders say growth in housing, careful spending, and new revenue sources have put the county on solid financial ground. Ongoing projects include a 24/7 crisis stabilization center in Honesdale, bridge repairs, recreational upgrades, and a new transportation hub. Commissioners emphasized that maintaining quality of life, public safety, and responsive government remains their top priority.