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Winona County sets preliminary levy at 12.49% amid debate over insurance and program costs
Summary
The Winona County Board voted to set a preliminary levy increase of 12.49%, with commissioners citing rising health insurance costs and state reimbursement shortfalls as primary drivers; some commissioners urged searching for inefficiencies while others pointed to state policy drivers.
The Winona County Board voted to set a preliminary property tax levy at 12.49% for the coming budget cycle after extended debate over the drivers of the increase.
"I'll make a motion to set the initial levy at 12.49%," Commissioner Vaguely said during discussion; the motion carried after commissioners exchanged aye and nay votes. Commissioner Meyer noted the magnitude of county human services spending: "our health and human services budget is something like 22,000,000," and said a significant portion (roughly $8,000,000) is not reimbursed by state or federal programs, placing upward pressure on local property taxes.
Other commissioners stressed different responses: some called for a neutral, outside review of state program requirements and efficiencies, while others urged department heads to identify inefficiencies and cost‑saving measures. Concerns discussed included rising health‑insurance premiums, SNAP eligibility impacts, and how market value and new construction interact with levy calculations.
The board's vote sets a preliminary figure that can be adjusted before final levy certification; commissioners discussed options for seeking further insurance‑cost reductions and possible state‑level advocacy.
What's next: The levy figure is preliminary; staff and commissioners said they will continue budget work and pursue potential insurance negotiations and efficiency reviews before the final levy is set.
