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Koochiching County sets preliminary 2026 levy at 8.99% and schedules Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing
Summary
The Koochiching County Board approved an 8.99% preliminary levy increase for 2026 and scheduled a Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing for Dec. 9, 2025; the board allocated most of the increase to public health and general revenue.
KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn. — The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 23 approved a preliminary gross tax levy for 2026 that is 8.99% higher than the 2025 levy and set a Truth‑in‑Taxation meeting for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in the county’s historic third‑floor courtroom.
County administrator Adam (staff member) told commissioners that preliminary budget submissions produced a near‑14% gap earlier in the process, and more recent budget work narrowed that to 8.99%. Adam said, “And, right now, we're looking at, an 8.99% levy increase based on how the budget sits.”
Under the board’s action, the proposed general revenue levy is $2,678,849 — an increase of $220,579 — and the public health and human services levy is proposed at $2,245,996 — an increase of $476,965. Highway, environmental services and the jail‑bond levies remain at their 2025 levels, according to the administration presentation. The total levy amount was reported in the board packet as $8,347,552 (rounded as presented).
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the increase responds largely to higher public health and human services costs and to Department and grant funding uncertainties. Commissioners noted the county will continue budget reviews in the coming months and may hold workshops to consider options for 2027 budgeting and to scrutinize mandated and nonmandated costs.
What the board did: The board voted to set the preliminary levy at 8.99% and to publish and hold the Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing on Dec. 9, 2025. No final levy or budget adoption occurred; state law requires the public hearing before final adoption.
Board comment and next steps: Several commissioners praised staff for reducing the initial increase from double digits and said they expect continued work to narrow the levy before final adoption. The Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing will be the formal forum for public comment before the board adopts the final levy.
For readers: The levy approved on Sept. 23 is a preliminary figure. The board must follow state notice requirements and adopt a final levy later in the year after the public hearing. The administration will return with refined budget numbers and additional proposals at future meetings.
