By Tina Tryggestad, La Crosse County Board Chair

There was good news on Nov. 10 for anyone who supports local community services when the La Crosse County Board overwhelmingly approved its 2026 budget.

This year’s spending plan continues to invest in the people and services that make La Crosse County strong. It supports 60 highway workers who plow more than 200 miles of rural roads each winter and funds conservation projects that preserve farmland and protect our watersheds. It also supports more than 100 social workers who show up every day to help our neighbors — people living with mental health and substance use challenges, and families navigating difficult circumstances. In other words, this budget invests in people in ways that benefit all of us.

Our long-term care campuses are another cornerstone of county service, staffed by dedicated nurses, kitchen workers, dietitians, and many others. At Hillview, on La Crosse’s south side, a major transformation is nearing completion. When finished early next year, the project will include a new childcare center operated by the YWCA and combined with programming for older adults — a powerful example of how we can support caregivers at both ends of the age spectrum.

The budget also launches our 10-year Opioid Response Plan, funded through national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. These dollars will expand treatment options in our jail and strengthen supports for families and children affected by the opioid crisis.

A new Re-Entry Social Worker position will also help people leaving jail successfully transition back into the community — an investment that can reduce recidivism and make our community safer and stronger.

We’re continuing to make significant progress on infrastructure, too. Nearly $14 million will go toward county roads in 2026, including 11 miles of new paving — helping maintain the steady improvement in road conditions we’ve seen in recent years.

Financially, the county’s budget is a balancing act — and one that’s getting tougher as costs rise while levy limits restrict our ability to keep pace with inflation. Even so, our property tax rate is projected to fall by 5.5% next year, and county debt will also decline. The overall levy will rise modestly by about 2%. Sales tax revenue remains a crucial factor, expected to bring in $17.5 million in 2026, roughly the same as this year.

At the same time, we face serious challenges on the horizon. As County Board Chair, I’m deeply concerned about the impact of potential cutbacks to Medicaid and FoodShare. These programs are not only vital for low-income residents — they are also major economic drivers. FoodShare alone brings about $1.6 million each month into our local economy, money spent directly at local businesses. Medicaid funding supports health care providers and jobs across our community while ensuring affordable coverage for thousands of residents.

If those programs are cut, we will all feel the impact.

Despite those concerns, La Crosse County remains in a strong financial position. Our 2026 budget reflects careful planning, community collaboration, and a shared belief that investing in people is the best way to build a stronger, more resilient county for everyone.