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Becker County commissioners set preliminary 2026 levy at 9% increase; final figure expected after budget review
Summary
The Becker County Board of Commissioners voted to set a preliminary 2026 proposed property tax levy that would raise county levies about 9 percent, triggering expressions of reluctance from multiple commissioners and a pledge to seek reductions before final adoption.
The Becker County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday set a preliminary 2026 property tax levy that would increase the county levy by about 9 percent, or $2,523,719, and scheduled a public budget hearing for Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. The board voted to publish the proposed levy as required while several commissioners said they want to lower the increase before final adoption.
Why it matters: The levy establishes the county’s starting point for next year’s budget and determines how much property taxpayers will be asked to fund county services. Commissioners said they face rising costs for wages, health insurance and state-mandated program changes that drove the proposal higher.
Details and debate: County staff presented the levy figure and asked the board to set a date for the statutorily required public hearing. Commissioners said the number was higher than they preferred. One commissioner said they would “not support a 9% levy increase” and urged department heads to find further cuts; other commissioners described the figure as “reluctant” but necessary given inflationary pressure, rising insurance and program mandates.
Board members discussed specific pressures expected next year, including potential changes tied to child-protection workload and state-level program shifts that could increase county costs. Commissioners also said statewide comparisons show many counties are proposing increases in the single digits; several said they would work to reduce the county’s preliminary figure before final adoption.
What happens next: The board set the required hearing for Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. and directed staff and the finance team to continue reviewing departmental budgets and potential reductions. Commissioners said they expect additional budget discussions and work sessions in October to examine positions and other line items closely.
Ending: The action was a preliminary step to meet legal notice and public-comment requirements; commissioners emphasized the levy can still be adjusted between the preliminary setting and final certification after the public hearing and budget review.
