County officials approved nearly $18 million in budget shifts for 2026, taking the total to almost $1.1 billion. The money targets key needs in housing, water management, and safety programs, with full support from the finance team.
The plan puts $3 million into housing support and shelters. Seniors will see an extra $1 million for home fixes. Water services will add 13 workers with a $3.5 million boost.
Law enforcement gets attention too. The sheriff’s office receives $350,000 for extra hours, while $457,000 goes to fight human trafficking. When October starts, $291.7 million stays in reserve.
“We lean into supporting public safety, which is our number one responsibility,” Commission Chairman Dave Woodward said per The Detroit News. “We lean into supporting more affordable housing, trying to lower costs for individuals.”
These changes will stick around. The county plans to keep $14.19 million flowing in 2027, with $11.2 million set for 2028.
Back in July, County Executive Dave Coulter pitched the first draft. It gave non-union staff a 4% pay bump and backed Oakland Connects – a lifeline linking people to food, shelter, and social aid.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Commissioner Angela Powell praised the finance team’s work. “It was very inclusive, and you all just worked with us,” she noted.
Woodward pointed out how well both sides worked together. “It’s a demonstration when you can come out of the finance committee with a unanimous vote,” he said. “I think the last few months we’ve spent going department by department, line item by line item — the hard work pays off.”
The final budget vote comes up at the September 18, 2025 board meeting.
