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Clay County sets 2026 preliminary levy at 6.46% after budget debate
Summary
After extended discussion about staffing, mandates and service levels, the Clay County Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary property tax levy increase of 6.46% for 2026; final levy will be set in December.
The Clay County Board of Commissioners voted to set the county’s 2026 preliminary levy at a 6.46% increase Tuesday after an extended budget discussion.
County Administrator Steve Larson told commissioners the request reflects a series of adjustments made since July as staff and the board sought to lower an initial double-digit proposal. "This has been one of the more challenging budget cycles that we've had," Larson said during his presentation, outlining factors that drove the levy request and how department requests were pared back.
Larson said the proposed levy supports core services, including staffing and transportation projects, and noted the county will use a mix of fund balance and savings to limit the tax increase. He told the board the general fund proposal is $30,697,105 and the total tax levy before adjustments was presented at $53,757,671 with county program aid and new construction factored in.
The board’s discussion focused on the effect of state and federal cost shifts, the county’s staffing level and maintaining services for residents. Commissioner Moshe and several colleagues emphasized the pressure from anticipated state shifts and said the board must continue looking for efficiencies while safeguarding services such as roads and public safety.
Commissioner Kravanoff moved to approve resolution 2025-22 setting the preliminary levy; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote. The board directed staff to continue working between now and December to reduce the levy before the final certification.
The preliminary levy will be finalized in December, when the board can make further adjustments after continued internal review and as new information about state funding and mandates becomes available.
