Some increased costs within the DeWitt County budget have resulted in the first levy increase for residents in several years.

DeeDee Rentmeister is the DeWitt County Administrator and indicates Social Security increases and liability insurance has increased, which notes, has resulted in about a five-cent increase in this year's levy.

The County's general fund, which pays out salaries - the largest expense for the County - remained the same from last year to this year. Rentmeister is proud of the department leaders within the County Building for being diligent in keeping costs down.

According to DeWitt County Board Chair Joe Witte, there isn't a lot of flexibility in the budget because most dollars that come into the County have a designated fund they support.

Witte points out there were some tough decisions that came with the budget this time around. He explains one is supporting the ambulance service through some struggles they are experiencing.

The FY26 budget remains on file for 30 days and will be voted on at the November Board meeting. The County Budget Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday because it did not have a quorum at its regularly scheduled meeting.