• Oakland County’s budget is balanced for fiscal years 2027-2029, which helps to maintain the county’s Aaa/AAA bond ratings.
• The three-year budget invests in justice and public safety, health and workforce development while remaining structurally balanced, using no fund balance for ongoing operations and continuing successful initiatives, such as Oakland80 and This Ride’s on Us for veterans.
• The budget expands support for indigent defense, Oakland Connects, lead testing and abatement, human trafficking prevention and the sheriff’s crime lab.

PONTIAC, Mich. — The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved by a unanimous vote Thursday a balanced three-year budget for fiscal years 2027-2029.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter applauded the approval of the spending plan, which he first outlined in July. The budget makes strategic investments in public safety, health, workforce development and services that improve residents’ quality of life. It also preserves healthy financial reserves, remains structurally balanced without using any fund balance for ongoing operations and positions the county to maintain its coveted Aaa/AAA bond ratings.

“This budget reflects our values and priorities,” Coulter said. “I am grateful we have a board that is able to come together from both sides of the aisle to agree on how to improve the lives of our residents, employers and workers.”

Key investments in the budget include:

Workforce Development

• The continued funding for 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 degrees or credentials by the end of the decade.

Justice and Public Safety

• A pilot program to increase funding for defense attorneys representing indigent defendants in circuit court.
• A new sheriff’s deputy position as well as funding for education and programming to support the Oakland County Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force.
• Updated equipment to enhance the capabilities of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Laboratory.

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.
• Funding for initiatives to address housing insecurity, including for legal assistance as well as emergency shelter and rental assistance.
• Two new Oakland County Health Division positions to strengthen lead testing and lead abatement efforts throughout the county.
• Continued funding for This Ride’s on Us, providing free public transportation for veterans traveling to and from appointments and activities.
• Ongoing support for partnerships that have expanded services for residents, including RxKids, mental and behavioral health initiatives and other collaborative efforts with state, federal, local and nonprofit partners.

This budget also supports efforts to attract and retain a strong county workforce. It includes a 3.75% pay increase for union-represented employees and a 3% pay increase for non-represented employees, along with a 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,” Oakland County Chief Financial Officer Brian J. Lefler said. “This budget represents a disciplined approach that balances today’s priorities with tomorrow’s needs.”
The general fund / general purpose budget totals $647.1 million for FY 2027, $650.8 million for FY 2028 and $654.9 million for FY 2029. The total recommended budget for all funds, excluding internal service funds, is $1.26 billion for FY 2027, $1.27 billion for FY 2028 and $1.28 billion for FY 2029.

Click here to view the FY 2027-2029 budget.