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Nicollet County commissioners approve 2025 budget, 3.5% levy, CIP and updated fees
Summary
On Dec. 17, 2024, the Nicollet County Board adopted the 2025 budget ($57,352,173), certified a 3.5% property tax levy ($27,335,294), approved the 2025–2029 capital improvement plan and adopted an updated county fee schedule. Several personnel and intergovernmental items also passed.
The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 17 adopted a suite of financial resolutions for 2025, including the county budget, property tax levy, a five‑year capital improvement plan and an updated fee schedule.
Heather, the county finance/administration presenter, summarized the 2025–2029 capital improvement plan (CIP), telling commissioners the CIP “is a plan. It is not approval to complete projects or issue debt,” and outlining projected debt payments and funding sources, including sales and wheelage tax assumptions. The board adopted the CIP after a brief public hearing.
County staff presented the proposed 2025 net property tax levy at a 3.5% increase, $27,335,294, and explained principal drivers: maintaining current services, rising operating costs, investments in criminal justice and road and bridge funds, plus the creation of a new building fund for future projects. The board held the required public hearing and adopted the levy unanimously.
The board approved the 2025 budget resolution authorizing $57,352,173 in revenues and expenditures. Commissioners praised staff and department heads for the budget process and the visual materials used in presentations.
The board also adopted an updated county fee schedule after a public hearing. Changes reflect the county’s assumption of services previously managed by the Brown Nicollet Community Health Board (now dissolved into county health and human services), adjustments to public‑works and sheriff’s fees, and modest increases elsewhere (for example, notary fees were set at $5; vehicle storage was increased to $10 per day with a $300 maximum). Officials said most health and human services fees are continuing existing charges now imposed by the county rather than the former community health board.
In other business, the board set elected officials’ compensation and per diems for 2025 (commissioner salary $40,518.40; chair receives an additional $1,500 annually; per diem resolution proposed at $70/day). A motion to raise the per diem to $75 failed for lack of a second; the compensation resolution passed 4–1, with one recorded no vote. The board also approved a University of Minnesota Extension memorandum of agreement to fund local 4‑H and agricultural programming from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027; staff said the agreement excludes a previously discussed ANR intern.
The meeting concluded with commissioner reports, the approval of per diems and expenses and adjournment. The board noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.
