Meeker County adopts 9.16% preliminary levy to cover rising costs, sets Truth-in-Taxation hearing for Dec. 2

Meeker County adopted a preliminary property tax levy increase of 9.16 percent at its Sept. 16 meeting, approving a total levy of roughly $19,000,000 for 2026.

County Administrator Andrew Lutzon told the board the increase is intended to address a series of mounting costs, including new and expanding state and federal mandates, higher insurance premiums and an expected rise in labor and service costs. "The real positives that we have are that we have a really healthy fund balance," Lutzon said during his presentation, noting the county will use a portion of reserves to smooth one-time expenses while raising the levy to meet ongoing requirements.

The board approved a resolution establishing the preliminary levy by roll call. Commissioners voting yes were recorded as "Commissioner Van Oort, Commissioner Somnke, Commissioner Schmidt, Commissioner Olberg and Commissioner Johnson," and the resolution passed. The board also confirmed the schedule for public outreach: Truth-in-Taxation notices will be mailed in November and the county will hold an evening Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Dec. 2 where the final levy and budget may be adopted.

Nut Graf: County officials said the increase is largely driven by state and federal cost shifts and local cost pressures that the county said are not fully covered by non-levy revenue. Lutzon and budget staff told the board several new or expanded costs — including paid family medical leave and higher health insurance expenses — are expected to grow in 2027 and 2028, and that the board opted to "front-load" a larger levy increase in 2026 to reduce the projected increases in later years.

In presenting the budget context, Lutzon said Meeker County remains in strong fiscal position, with estimated unrestricted fund balance at about 58 percent of operating expenditures. He said total county expenses in the proposed budget are $45,579,114 and that the county is using limited fund balance to cover one-time capital and equipment needs rather than recurring costs.

Board discussion touched on communicating the local impact to taxpayers. Commissioner Schmidt asked that staff provide a simple example showing the levy change translated into a household tax-dollar impact using a typical local home value; Lutzon said staff will prepare that and distribute it before the Truth-in-Taxation notices.

Ending: The preliminary levy adoption sets the county's budget timeline. Lutzon said staff will continue to pursue efficiency measures, pursue fee adjustments where appropriate and engage in legislative advocacy to seek aid or reduce future county cost shifts. The board will revisit and may adopt a final levy following the Dec. 2 public hearing.