Kandiyohi County officials presented preliminary budget options and fielded strong public concern over rising property taxes at the county’s Truth in Taxation hearing on Nov. 18.

County administrator Kelsey Baker summarized the budget outlook and said the board had approved a preliminary levy of about 7.1% while presenting two lower options for consideration: a 6.23% levy that would rely on spending cuts without additional reserve draws, and a 5.38% option that would use more reserve funds. Baker said cost pressures include wages, landfill costs, the county jail and road projects, and she warned that many county services are mandated by state or federal law and therefore not optional.

"This is not a time to dispute your valuation of property," Baker said, explaining that the Truth in Taxation hearing addresses the proposed levy and budget rather than individual property valuations. She illustrated the county-only levy effect with a $300,000 residential example and said the county portion of a tax bill under the example would change by roughly $9, while noting that school districts, cities and townships also affect total property tax bills.

Residents who spoke described sharp increases in recent years. "When you live in a community and you are happy here ... it’s getting to the point where we almost have to" move, said Joe Jungers, who told the board his property tax bill rose from roughly $2,500 to about $5,000 in five years and described a "horrible feeling of being stuck." Jeri Dames said, "This county is a business," and asked what the county does with landfill drop-off fees and other local revenue.

Another resident, Mark Rupplinger, suggested the county consider outsourcing services such as snow plowing and grading to reduce wage and benefit costs and "be a leader" among Minnesota counties.

Board members acknowledged the public concern and described ongoing state-level advocacy to limit cost shifts to local governments. Commissioner Dale Anders and others urged residents to contact legislators and said counties repeatedly press for funding when mandates are imposed. The board discussed earlier work-session reductions to human services and public works and adjustments to quasi‑government partner contributions, and Baker outlined modest uses of reserves in some scenarios to lower the levy.

Baker said the final levy and budget will be adopted at the regular county board meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. Commissioners encouraged residents to review budget materials on the county meeting portal and to contact their commissioner or the administrator with questions. Several commissioners also described their district boundaries when residents asked which commissioner represents specific areas.

The hearing closed after public comment; commissioners remained available afterward to meet with constituents.