Kandiyohi County presents preliminary 2026 budget as residents decry rising property taxes

Kandiyohi County Administrator Kelsey Baker presented the county’s preliminary 2026 budget at a public truth‑in‑taxation hearing, outlining a proposed county levy increase of about 7.1% and several lower‑levy options that the board will consider before final adoption.

The presentation, delivered to the board and residents in attendance, listed payroll and wages, the county landfill, the county jail and road projects as the primary cost drivers. Baker said capital and quasi‑government requests totaled roughly $1.3 million in the capital improvement plan and that the board had discussed three levy scenarios: a preliminary 7.1% levy, an option at about 6.23% that would avoid additional reserve use, and a third option near 5.38% that would draw more on reserves. Baker said those options would be reviewed again at the board’s Dec. 16 meeting.

Why it matters: residents at the hearing said the rise in property taxes is creating hardship and a threat to housing stability in parts of the county. Speakers and commissioners repeatedly pointed to state valuation formulas and new state or federal mandates as factors that constrain local control and increase local costs.

At the microphone, Willmar resident Joe Jungers described a rapid increase in his property taxes: "In the last five years it’s gone from 2,500 to 5,000," he said, adding that the rise left him feeling "stuck." Jeri Dames, also of Willmar, told the board she faced a 60% increase in her taxes and asked, "What are you doing to be able to keep things lower than they need to be?" Both speakers urged the board to prioritize restraint and to explain how user fees such as landfill charges are used.

Commissioners acknowledged those concerns and described limits on county authority. The chair explained that state valuation formulas and an overheated real‑estate market are the "number one driver" of recent property tax increases and stressed that some county services are governed by state or federal law. Several commissioners said they spend time at the legislature pressing for funding instead of unfunded mandates. Commissioner Steve Gardner cited statewide data, saying the average preliminary county budget increase across Minnesota was about 8.1% and that Kandiyohi’s preliminary figure of roughly 7.1% was below that average.

Baker and board members described internal steps already taken to reduce the levy: trimming proposed spending in public works and human services, holding quasi‑government contributions at 2025 levels, and reviewing one‑time uses of reserves. Baker also flagged the possibility of performance improvement plans at the state level that can reduce county funding if mandated program requirements are not met, which she said necessitates staffing to maintain compliance.

Public suggestions at the hearing included exploring outsourcing for services such as snow plowing and road grading to reduce wage and benefit costs. Commissioner responses welcomed the public input and reiterated that the board will continue work sessions and outreach before the Dec. 16 adoption meeting.

What happens next: the board files a final levy and budget for adoption at the regular county board meeting beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. County staff said detailed budget materials and the presentation are available on the county meeting portal and residents may contact their district commissioner or the administrator’s office with questions.