WINNEBAGO Co. (WFRV) – Winnebago County residents got their first chance Tuesday to weigh in on the county’s proposed 2026 budget.
County Executive Gordon Hintz opened a series of public listening sessions at the Fox Cities Campus in Menasha to explain the $238 million spending plan and gather feedback. Each meeting includes a short presentation on county priorities and proposed changes, followed by questions and comments.
Hintz said his main goal is to make county government more engaging and accessible, offering programs and meetings that work around residents’ busy schedules. He highlighted key investments aimed at retaining essential staff such as social workers, highway plow drivers, and sheriff’s deputies, all while keeping compensation competitive within the county’s fiscal limits.
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The county faces significant challenges, including a housing shortage, growing homelessness, and a labor shortage in both the public and private sectors. Hintz stressed the importance of maintaining six human services positions once funded by federal dollars. These staffers run a homelessness and eviction-loss prevention program that he called “very successful,” helping residents stay in their homes. To keep it going, the county plans to replace expiring federal funds with county funding.
Hintz also promised a more transparent budget process that reflects community priorities, saves money, and reduces the deficit over the next year.
Another focus is the Winnebago Fox Cities Campus, which operates at about a $800,000 expensive that they’re funding, and just includes the planetarium revenue. Hintz said plans include hiring a manager to oversee the Communication Arts Theater as part of the 2026 budget.
Upcoming budget listening sessions:
- Wednesday, Sept. 24 – Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh
- Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Omro Area Community Center
- Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Winneconne Municipal Center
- Thursday, Oct. 9 – Neenah Police Department
Residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback to help shape a better, community-driven budget.
