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Polk County commissioners approve 4.5% preliminary levy; public hearing set for Dec. 2
Summary
The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary levy resolution capping the levy at $29,675,137 and set a Dec. 2 public hearing on the budget; commissioners said they will try to lower the levy before the final vote.
Polk County commissioners voted to adopt a preliminary levy resolution that caps the county's levy at $29,675,137, a move board members said preserves some margin while they finalize the 2026 budget. The board set the public hearing on the budget for Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. in the same meeting room.
Commissioners said the 4.5% preliminary levy corresponds with an increase county staff estimated at roughly $1.2 million to $1.3 million. Board members said they plan further review through October before adopting final levy and budget resolutions in mid-December.
County staff and commissioners outlined the calendar for the levy and budget process: notices to taxpayers will go out in mid-November, the public hearing is on Dec. 2, and the board expects to adopt final resolutions at its Dec. 16 meeting. Commissioners emphasized the preliminary number is a maximum; the board may lower the levy but not increase it after the resolution is passed.
Commissioners and staff discussed using fund balance and other budget adjustments as part of the process. One commissioner noted each percentage point of the levy equates to roughly $280,000'$300,000 in tax revenue, underscoring the magnitude of even small percentage changes. The board agreed to continue work through October to identify potential cuts and to limit the use of cash reserves where possible.
Votes and procedural notes: the board made a motion to adopt the preliminary levy with a 4.5% cap and carried the motion by voice vote at the meeting.
