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Benton County sets proposed 2026 levy at $27.3 million, adopts proposed budget
Summary
Benton County commissioners on Thursday set a proposed 2026 levy of $27,315,659 and approved a proposed 2026 budget that would raise the levy 9.56%, citing new debt service for the government center and personnel costs; the board also authorized use of $500,000 in reserves to reduce the increase.
BENTON COUNTY — The Benton County Board of Commissioners on Thursday voted to set the proposed 2026 levy at $27,315,659 and adopted a proposed 2026 budget after a staff presentation and brief discussion.
Monty, County staff presenting the budget, said the levy represents a 9.56% increase (about $2.4 million) driven principally by first-year debt service on the government center project and personnel costs. "The first year debt service levy that's required for that is 1,700,000," Monty said. He also said the board plans to use $500,000 of fund balance to reduce the levy increase.
The staff presentation showed the county's estimated tax rate rising to 48.15% from 45.61% and estimated that the levy increase would add roughly $116 a year (about $9.69 a month) to a median-value house assessed at $267,000. The presenter said the one-page budget summary reflected a 10-year average levy increase of about 3.77% and that new costs included a 3% health insurance funding increase and implementation of Minnesota paid leave with an employer share estimated in the budget.
Commissioners asked whether retaining a halftime position in the base budget created a buffer the board could adjust in December. Monty confirmed the board could lower the levy later but not increase it beyond the proposed maximum. "So the first motion should be a motion to approve the resolution set in proposed 2026 levy at $27,315,659," Monty said, and commissioners approved the levy by roll call.
Following the levy motion, the board approved a second resolution adopting the proposed 2026 Benton County budget as presented. The board also scheduled a Truth and Taxation public meeting for Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Benton County boardroom to allow public comment before final decisions later in the year.
The board and staff noted the levy establishes a maximum the board could reduce before final adoption rather than a final tax bill; staff said some revenue increases, such as an anticipated 4.1% increase in tax capacity from the assessor, may partly offset levy effects.
The board vote was by roll call; commissioners voted in favor and approved both resolutions.
