Chippewa County board unanimously approves 2026 budget; proposed levy rises to $22.33 million, tax rate falls to $2.12

County Administrator presented a balanced proposed budget and the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the 2026 budget. The administrator said the proposed levy for 2026 is $22,330,263, up from $21,713,416, and gave the increase as $616,847 (2.84%). The presentation also stated the county's tax rate would decrease to $2.12.

The budget presentation said the primary reason the tax rate falls even as the levy rises is a 10.39% increase in the county's equalized value, which the administrator described as roughly a $990 million increase in the tax base. The administrator characterized the package as a "balanced budget" and described the plan as consistent with the county's strategic plan while allowing flexibility to address operational needs.

Key items included in the approved 2026 budget:

- Human services costs: The administrator highlighted higher out-of-home placement costs,…