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Stearns County commissioners urged to meet legislators amid state budget shifts that could raise property taxes
Summary
County leaders discussed contacting local legislators during a legislative recess to press for funding changes and to explain potential property tax impacts from state proposals and mandates.
Stearns County commissioners discussed arranging meetings or calls with local legislators during the lawmakers' break to press concerns about state budget proposals that could shift costs to counties and increase property taxes.
County administration asked commissioners to meet with delegation members individually or in small groups and offered staff support and talking points. "If we calculate them now, we're like in the area of 10% increase in property tax," Doctor Williams, county administrator, said describing the possible impact of shifts in state funding and revenue reductions.
Commissioners emphasized the need to explain to legislators that unfunded mandates or cost shifts force counties either to cut services or raise property taxes. "If you're not gonna do the funding, then cut the mandate," one commissioner said during discussion, urging legislators to choose funding or mandate removal rather than forcing county tax increases.
The board discussed coordinating outreach so that commissioners contact legislators who represent their areas and follow up with a summary email copied to the full board. Commissioners also discussed using local media and communications channels to inform the public about potential tax implications from state proposals.
No formal vote was required; the board directed staff to provide talking points and to coordinate individual outreach with legislators during the legislative recess.
