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Wright County board adopts preliminary 2026 levy at 5.57% and schedules public budget hearing
Summary
The board set a preliminary levy increase of 5.57% for 2026, approved the proposed $224.9 million budget, and scheduled a public budget hearing (Truth in Taxation-style) for Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
The Wright County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to set the county's preliminary 2026 levy at 5.57 percent and to advance the administrative proposed budget for public review.
Administrator Kreiser presented the preliminary budget and levy, describing a $224,927,000 total budget and a recommended levy of $106,016,009.26. "It's my privilege and honor to present to you the 2026 preliminary levy," Kreiser told the board, outlining cost pressures including a 14% cap on Medica health insurance rates, the new Minnesota Paid Family Leave requirements, and upcoming state child protection implementation in 2027. Kreiser said the recommended levy balances cost-saving measures and targeted investments to maintain county services, public safety and infrastructure.
Highlights Kreiser cited included two additional deputy positions and one corrections officer for public safety, investments in highway infrastructure and maintenance, and efforts to secure nontraditional grant funding. Kreiser also described Wright County as the fastest-growing county in Minnesota with a roughly 9.4% population increase since 2020 and noted the county maintains more than 512 centerline miles of road.
The proposed tax impact on the median countywide homeowner was estimated at about $38.71 annually under the 5.57 percent levy scenario, according to Kreiser's presentation. Kreiser explained the levy figure incorporates expected state and federal cost shifts, health insurance increases, union contract negotiations and investments to preserve long-term service levels.
After discussion and thanks from commissioners to administration and finance staff for detailed forecasting tools, the board voted to set the preliminary levy at 5.57% and to schedule a public budget hearing on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. to receive public comment prior to final levy adoption.
The preliminary levy vote begins the county's public review process; state law requires a public hearing prior to final adoption. The board will return at its scheduled public meeting to consider public testimony and finalize the 2026 levy and budget.
