Hennepin County sheriff asks for $162.6 million in property taxes for 2026; officials press on staffing, jail costs and technology

Hennepin County Sheriff Cheryl Witt told the Board of Commissioners that the sheriff's office is proposing $162,600,000 in property tax support in the 2026 operating budget, which Witt said represents a 12.8% increase from the office—s 2025 adjusted operating budget.

"Our proposed budget includes a $162,600,000 in property taxes in order to fund the programs and activities that the sheriff's office considers vital in providing public safety to all residents of Hennepin County," a county budget presenter said during the opening slides. The presenter said the proposal assumes a 7.79% statutory maximum levy increase and noted an approximately $5 million drop in non-property revenues tied to federal and state funding reductions.

Why it matters: Personnel costs make up roughly 80% of the sheriff's budget and are the largest driver of the request. Commissioners pressed the sheriff and budget staff for more granular data on overtime, health-care drivers inside the jail and whether contracted technology costs might be reduced through countywide purchasing.

Budget drivers and numbers: The presentation and sheriff—s remarks listed the largest changes as a $10,700,000 increase in personal services spending to cover general salary…