The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 11 to adopt the county's 2026 operating and capital budgets, approving a final net tax levy of $1,100,000,000 and a combined budget of $3,150,000,000 for the coming year.

Chair Irene Fernando opened the budget discussion by framing the plan as a statement of values and a response to unprecedented fiscal pressures. County administration presented the package, including an R1 amendment containing budget changes and schedules. A county official summarized the request as the culmination of months of hearings, amendments and the truth-in-taxation process.

Commissioners described the budget as necessary yet difficult. Commissioner Connolly urged a cautious approach and emphasized protecting core services; Commissioner Edelson warned that rising property taxes weigh heavily on residents and urged creative revenue strategies; Commissioner Lundy and others said the board must search for efficiencies and new revenue to avoid deep service cuts. “We are going to have to take a hard look at services that are duplicative,” Lundy said during debate.

Board members also directed staff to monitor the Hennepin Healthcare System budget closely after earlier concerns about the hospital's financial position. The board approved a governance review of Hennepin Healthcare Systems, Inc. to examine structure and deliver recommendations by mid-2026.

The board voted by voice to adopt the 2026 operating and capital budgets. The county said the budget maintains a focus on public health, homelessness prevention, supportive housing, and transportation investments while acknowledging a prolonged period of fiscal constraint.

Next steps: staff will implement the adopted budget and return follow-up reports to the board on hospital governance and other high-priority items.