Goodhue County sets preliminary levy at 6.5% after budget workshop; commissioners to revisit positions

The Goodhue County Board of Commissioners voted on Sept. 9 to set a preliminary levy increase of 6.5 percent for the coming budget cycle after staff presented draft budget scenarios and a facilities assessment.

County finance staff presented preliminary 2026 and 2027 budget figures and a range of levy scenarios discussed at earlier workshops. The staff report showed a preliminary 2026 budget figure and a proposed 2027 preliminary budget figure that reflected rising costs, including insurance and anticipated contract negotiations. Staff noted the preliminary levy can be reduced later but cannot be increased once set.

Commissioners discussed potential ways to reduce the levy, including bundling or delaying capital projects, holding vacant positions and revising departmental fee schedules. Several commissioners expressed concern about unknowns — including upcoming contract negotiations and service impacts — and directed staff to hold certain non‑mandated vacant positions pending a follow‑up budget meeting.

After discussion a commissioner moved to set the preliminary county levy at 6.5 percent; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call and voice vote. The board asked staff to schedule additional budget meetings to refine the capital plan, fee schedule updates and position decisions before the final levy adoption in December. The minutes record commissioners voting in favor during roll call and the chair scheduled further budget work to identify where reductions or delays could be made without reducing core services.