Marinette County has released its 2026 budget — and while two sources of revenue helped close the gap, the county is still making tough choices. An extra four hundred thousand dollars came in through investments and forestry revenues. But even with that boost, about nine county positions were cut. The county’s tax rate is also at a historic low. Back in 2010, the rate peaked at four dollars and sixty-six cents per thousand dollars of property value. For 2026, it’s projected to drop to just two-seventy-eight — the lowest Marinette County has ever seen.

Here’s County Administrator John Lefebvre.

Lefebvre says local taxpayers can only shoulder so much — and state-level reform is badly needed.

Lefebvre says the county can’t afford to lose sight of what makes Marinette County unique. Recreation — from forests and trails to lakes and rivers — is one of the area’s greatest assets. He says that protecting and enhancing those opportunities is not just about quality of life — it’s tied to the county’s long-term financial health. The 2026 budget reflects that balance — holding down taxes, cutting costs, but also keeping an eye on the resources that make Marinette County a place where people want to live, work, and visit.

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