Anoka County board adopts 2026 budget and final levy after contentious vote

Anoka County commissioners voted 4 to 3 on Dec. 2 to adopt the county's final tax levy and the 2026 operating and capital budgets, following a two-hour Truth in Taxation hearing the night before. County Administrator Jim Dickinson presented the proposal, and staff said the levy represents a 9.4% increase over last year.

The levy vote followed extended discussion about the drivers of the increase. Commissioner Mandy Meissner offered the resolution and said staff had worked to reduce the preliminary figure; she praised directors and finance staff for bringing the levy down to a more sustainable level. "There is a ton of information," Meissner said, noting committee work and staff effort to get the number to 9.4%.

Commissioner Ward Schulte framed the levy as an operational necessity, attributing most of the increase to existing personnel costs such as rising health-insurance premiums and merit increases rather than new positions or capital projects. "This is about operational costs, not fixed assets," Schulte said. "When the bills come due, you have to pay them."

Administrator Dickinson summarized the budget process and presented the final levy for adoption. The board conducted a roll-call vote that carried 4–3. According to the roll call taken during the meeting, Commissioners Meissner, Gamache, Schulte and Jepsen voted in favor; Commissioners Heinrich, Braastad and Reinert voted no.

The budget adoption completes the county's fiscal authorization for the 2026 program year. Commissioners noted the Truth in Taxation forum drew substantial public attendance and comments; however, no additional amendments to the levy were made during the meeting. The board will proceed with implementation of the adopted spending and tax-levy plan for 2026.