Benton County hears objections to 9.56% proposed levy tied largely to new government center

The Benton County Board of Commissioners held a Truth in Taxation public meeting in Foley where staff and residents debated a proposed 9.56% increase to the county levy, which county staff said equals about $2,400,000 over 2025 and is driven in part by debt service for a new government center.

County administrator Monty (Monte) Headley presented the staff summary and key numbers, saying, “we have, at this 0.1 proposed levy increase of 9.56% or $2,400,000 from 2025. That results in a levy about 27,300,000.0.” He also identified $1,739,000 of the levy increase as related to debt service on the government center and explained other drivers: general wage/step increases, a 3% health-insurance increase and employer costs for Minnesota paid leave. Headley said the board planned to use $500,000 in reserves to reduce the levy increase and that the 2026 budget includes no new positions.

Many residents used the public-comment period to challenge the board’s decision-making and the timing of construction contracts and bids. Kelly Gallagher, a resident, said the public had expected a referendum process and questioned staff and board choices, including earlier payments to architects: “So my understanding is we spent 1000000 dollars with an architect before we've even approved the process of the building,” she said. Other speakers asked how much of the 9.56% was the government center; Headley responded that without the debt service the levy increase would be about 3.8%, but that the debt service must legally be included in the levy calculations.

Board members and staff explained why they did not take the project directly to a public vote after a petition was filed. Commissioners and staff described a sequence in which bids arrived and the board faced a limited window to accept competitive bids; several board members said they favored proceeding because qualified bids came in substantially below earlier estimates and delaying could raise future costs. One commissioner said bids came in near $24.5 million and that the board had been working on the project for two years, including spending architect fees. Other commissioners said they honored petition processes or reluctantly supported moving forward based on cost considerations.

Residents also raised related concerns: the Saint Cloud Airport Authority’s levy (a $1,000,000 authority levy that Benton County estimated would amount to roughly $130–$150 for Benton County taxpayers), the disposition and demolition costs for the existing courthouse, parking plans, and the long‑term interest cost of the county’s financing. Headley said the county issued HRA lease‑revenue debt maturing over 20 years and reported a true interest cost of 4.45%; he said total interest paid over 20 years, if not refunded, would be about $12,800,000.

Procedural matters were handled during the meeting: the board approved the meeting agenda and a consent agenda of items 1–9 by voice vote earlier in the meeting, and staff reminded the public there is a separate sign-up procedure for questions about property‑value notices. Headley also noted that detailed line‑item budget documents (roughly 80–90 pages) are posted on the county website for public review.

The meeting closed the Truth in Taxation segment after public comment; Headley told the audience the board will select official salaries and take final levy action on Dec. 16 (date referenced by staff), providing the next procedural step on the budget. The board adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.

What’s next: the board will consider final levy and elected‑official salary decisions at its Dec. 16 meeting; separate concerns about the Saint Cloud Airport Authority levy and the future of the current courthouse remain under committee review.