Oakland County, MI

• Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s balanced fiscal years 2027-2029 budget recommendation maintains the county’s Aaa/AAA bond ratings while investing in justice and public safety, health and workforce development.
• The proposed budget expands support for indigent defense, Oakland Connects, lead testing and abatement, human trafficking prevention and the sheriff’s crime lab.
• The three-year budget remains structurally balanced, uses no fund balance for ongoing operations and continues successful initiatives, such as Oakland80 and This Ride’s on Us.

Pontiac, Mich. — Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter presented his balanced three-year budget recommendation for fiscal years 2027-2029 to the Board of Commissioners today, outlining a fiscally responsible spending plan that makes strategic investments in public safety, health, workforce development and services that improve residents’ quality of life.

The recommended budget preserves healthy financial reserves and remains structurally balanced without using fund balance for ongoing operations and positions the county to maintain its coveted Aaa/AAA bond ratings.

“This budget is structurally balanced and sustainable. It maintains healthy reserves while providing a roadmap that allows us to keep delivering excellent services and investing in the priorities that matter most to our residents,” Coulter said.

Key investments in the recommended budget include: 

Workforce Development

•  Continuation of Oakland80, which has helped more than 42,000 residents complete applications for college, apprenticeships or certified training programs while advancing the county’s goal of ensuring 80% of adults earn a degree or credential by the end of the decade. 

Justice and Public Safety

• A pilot program that increases funding for defense attorneys representing indigent defendants in circuit court.
• A new sheriff’s deputy position dedicated to supporting the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force.
• Updated equipment that will enhance the capabilities of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office crime lab. 

Health and Human Services

• Two additional community health worker positions to expand Oakland Connects, which helps residents access medical care, housing, food assistance and other critical services.
• Two new Health Division positions to strengthen lead testing and lead abatement efforts throughout Oakland County.
• Continued funding for This Ride’s on Us, providing free public transportation for veterans traveling to appointments and activities. 
• Ongoing support for partnerships that have expanded services for residents, including RxKids, behavioral health initiatives and other collaborative efforts with state, federal, local and nonprofit partners.
• To attract and retain a strong county workforce, county executive administration proposed a 3% compensation increase for non-represented employees to accompany a 3.75% contractual increase for union-represented employees, along with continued investment in employee training, wellness resources and workplace safety initiatives.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every tax dollar is managed wisely while preserving the county’s long-term financial strength,” Chief Financial Officer Brian J. Lefler said. “This budget represents a disciplined approach that balances today’s priorities with tomorrow’s needs.”

The proposed General Fund / General Purpose budget totals $633.2 million for FY 2027, $644.0 million for FY 2028 and $655.6 million for FY 2029. The total recommended budget for all funds, excluding Internal Service funds, is $1.24 billion for FY 2027, $1.26 billion for FY 2028 and $1.28 billion for FY 2029.

The Board of Commissioners will begin budget hearings on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 1 p.m., in Committee Room A, with the final hearing scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, at 1 p.m. The full board is expected to vote on the budget during its meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. FY 2027 begins Oct. 1.

Click here to view Coulter’s FY 2027-2029 budget recommendation.