TRAVERSE CITY — Grand Traverse County officials intend to remain “conservative” for their 2026 fiscal year budget despite the Michigan budget impasse continuing in Lansing.

The ongoing budget stall has left some questions unanswered for many of the state’s 83 counties. Grand Traverse County Commissioners discussed the upcoming budget with county Finance Director Dean Bott at the board’s regular meeting Wednesday, highlighting potential red flags if the state does not resolve and approve their budget by the end of the month. The Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate have each submitted their spending plans for the fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. If a resolution is not met by that deadline, the state government could face a partial shutdown.

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