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Stearns County staff outline preliminary 2026 budget; levy projection at about 5.8%
Summary
County staff told commissioners the preliminary 2026 tax-levy projection is roughly a 5.8% increase driven largely by human services costs; staff cited $210 million-plus total budget, roughly 36% for health and human services, and said non-levy revenues are up largely due to interest-income assumptions and state/federal dollars.
County administration presented an update on the preliminary 2026 budget at the Aug. 12 Stearns County meeting, estimating a preliminary levy increase of roughly 5.8% under current assumptions and requests.
Key points presented by county staff: • Preliminary levy: Staff said that under current assumptions the levy would increase by about 5.8%, a figure that staff described as reflective of projected cost pressures, especially in human services. The number remains preliminary and will be refined as the process continues. • Budget size and drivers: The county’s total budget was described as approximately $210 million. Health and human services account for about 36% of the budget, and staff said about 20% of county residents use those services annually. • Non-levy revenue: Staff said non-levy revenue assumptions increased from $3.16 million to $6.17 million in part because of higher interest-income expectations and additional state/federal dollars; fee increases under consideration would add about $225,000, mostly in environmental services fees. • Staffing requests and reductions: Departments requested about 11–12 new positions; staff said they are working to pare that down and currently show funding for about 5.5 new positions in the preliminary plan. • Fund balance and contingencies: Commissioners noted the county’s general fund and human-services fund balances provide temporary cushioning for impacts while staff work to refine budget options. Commissioners asked staff to document cuts already made and to continue identifying options that minimize levy impact.
Why it matters: The preliminary levy figure is a planning number that will shape public messaging and subsequent budget choices. Human-services costs and state or federal shifts in program funding will significantly influence final levy decisions.
What’s next: Staff will return with updated budget options, documented reductions and recommendations before the county certifies its final levy.
