Polk County administrator outlines $74 million budget, mill rate forecast and capital projects at public hearing

County Administrator Norby gave a public overview of Polk County’s proposed budget during the Nov. 12 hearing, summarizing revenues, expenditures and capital plans and answering questions from supervisors before opening the floor to public comment.

Norby told the board that expenditures are roughly $74,000,000, with a levy of about $23,600,000 and estimated sales tax receipts near $5,100,000. He said the county’s mill rate would fall from 2.67 per $1,000 last year to an estimated 2.49 per $1,000 while the budget anticipates a modest deficit driven by capital projects; estimated revenues were presented at roughly $72,300,000 against expenditures of about $74.1 million.

Norby described capital funding sources for 2026–2027, including ARPA funds used in 2024, a mix of general-fund dollars, PTEG funding, recycling charges and targeted debt financing. The presentation listed capital priorities including the Justice Center HVAC project, nine squad cars, jail shower resurfacing, parks equipment and a five-year capital summary totaling approximately $8.7 million. He told the board he recommended using about $2.2 million of the general fund to finish projects and preserve the levy base.

During the public hearing, Emily Greger of GROW (Grassroots Organizing in Western Wisconsin) urged the board to consider the potential local effects of federal legislation she called “HR1,” saying cuts to SNAP administrative funding, Medicaid reimbursement reductions and stripping ACA tax credits could increase county costs and pressure services. She said some of the projected local impacts could include higher county expenses for food-share administration, reduced facility reimbursements and more uninsured residents turning to county-funded behavioral and emergency services; she formally submitted a letter for the public record.

The board also heard public comments on trail maintenance and local billboard outreach efforts related to addiction. Later in the meeting the board confirmed one appointment (Matt Larson to the Local Emergency Planning Commission), received administrative updates on capital projects and sales tax, and moved into closed session for litigation updates.

The budget remains before the board for final adoption steps as required by statutory deadlines; administration said staff will begin work on the next budget cycle immediately.