The county is operating with $5.7 million in general revenues, $7.8 million in its road and bridge fund, roughly $500,000 for its administration center and $580,000 in its assessor’s office fund.
Throughout December and January, county office holders, positions including the sheriff, the clerk, the coroner, and others, come before the commissioners with budget requests
“We go through their budget individually, so we know why they’re asking for what they’re asking,” explained Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker.
The county also hears budget requests from local organizations, including the local University Extension Office, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nodaway County, the County Economic Development Corporation, Nodaway County Emergency Management, and others.
The county was able to deliver most of the requested funds, according to commissioners, though some non-profits received less than their full requested amount.
One significant focus for the year ahead will be a series of bridge projects, funded by the Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Fund (BRO), a program administered by the Missouri Department of Transportation but funded largely by federal dollars.
The county has budgeted four major bridge projects for 2026, which explains the high dollar value on the bridge fund. According to commissioners, the bridges are at different stages of approval, and the work may extend to future years. In that situation, the funds will carry over as well.
The county also approved a 3% cost of living increase for full-time employees.
Also in 2026, it will distribute the last of its American Rescue Plan Act funding, a pandemic era stimulus package that delivered funds to municipalities for infrastructure improvements and other work. The county is spending its remaining funds on updates to county buildings.
Overall, Walker said, “Nodaway County is doing great. We are financially sound, and we have a bunch of great office holders here. Everything is going smooth.”
Walker is also looking ahead to his final year on the commission. He plans to retire at the end of 2026 after serving on the board for 12 years, a total of three terms.
The filing period for his successor will run from Feb. 24 to March 31 before a primary on Aug. 4 and a general election on Nov. 3.
