County Administrator and budget staff presented the published 2026 budget draft to the Barron County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 20, explaining required publication elements and changes since September.

The presentation (Jody and the county administrator) highlighted key figures: projected sales tax revenue of $5,000,000; use of general fund balance and sales tax draws to offset levy pressure; and a nearly 11 percent increase in the county’s equalized valuation. The draft showed a lower mill rate (presenter cited a drop from 3.29 to 3.06 per $1,000) driven principally by rising property valuations.

Changes since September and staff notes

- Additional levy capacity from updated personal‑property tax calculations: roughly $249,006 added to levy capacity.
- A $100,000 reduction in circuit‑court support payments due to lower cost from employee replacements.
- A small increase in estimated state shared revenue (~$9,726) and the removal of a $400 primitive‑campsite revenue estimate that will no longer be offered.
- An executive recommendation to target a fund‑balance level at or below 33 percent; staff said this is prudent for bondholder confidence and to meet earlier commitments tied to the Sally Port expansion debt.

Motorola payment and fund‑balance planning

Budget staff and the county administrator discussed the Motorola financing presentation from the same meeting. Staff said the initial payment shown in Motorola’s slides — $334,205 due 12/01/2026 in the presenter’s slides — could be covered from fund balance in 2026 so the county would begin levying for debt service starting in 2027. Staff noted this would be an option only if the board directs staff to proceed after the requested legal opinion on the financing structure.

Public process and timing

Staff said the published budget is fixed for presentation at the public hearing; any changes must be made on the county board floor after the public hearing. The county plans a public hearing and a presentation again on Nov. 3 at 9 a.m.; staff asked supervisors to reserve Dec. 8 for a possible special meeting on Motorola if the legal opinion and financing timing require early action.

Ending

Presenters described the draft as “solid” and recommended leaving contingency lines in place; the board will receive the same published material at the public hearing and may amend the budget on the floor thereafter.