Nicollet County board sets preliminary 2026 levy at $29.99 million; public hearing scheduled

Saint Peter, Minn. — The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners on the September agenda adopted a preliminary property tax levy for 2026 of $29,988,069 — a 9.7% increase from 2025 — and set a public hearing for Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Nicollet County Boardroom.

County administration staff presented the proposed 2026 budget, which they listed at $61,768,248. Mandy, the county staff member presenting the packet item, told the board most of the levy increase was attributable to wages and benefits (including adjustments from a compensation study), rising insurance costs and the county’s human-services responsibilities. She said the proposed levy could be reduced before final adoption at the Dec. 16 board meeting but must be certified by Sept. 30 to meet statutory deadlines.

Staff gave examples of taxpayer impacts from the packet: a Saint Peter home with an estimated market value of $405,000 and no change in value could see an increase of about $190 (roughly 10.15% on the local share presented); other example calculations for commercial and farm property were included in the board packet. County leaders discussed preserving reserves given unknown 2027 state and federal service requirements and noted the county employs roughly 280 people to serve about 35,000 residents.

Commissioners asked about the drivers of the increase and whether reserves would be used; staff said reserves would be used judiciously and that the compensation study and insurance increases accounted for several points of the 9.7% rise. The board adopted the preliminary levy and budget-setting resolution by roll call. The county reiterated that property-tax notices (truth-in-taxation) would reflect the preliminary levy percentage if it is later lowered.