Pine County Board Sets 2026 Property Tax Levy at $23.38 Million, Adopts Budget

The Pine County Board of Commissioners voted to set the county's 2026 property tax levy at $23,379,297 and adopted the 2026 county budget during its regular meeting.

Board members moved and seconded resolutions 2025-46 and 2025-47, authorizing the board chair and county administrator to sign the levy and budget documents. Staff and multiple commissioners praised months of work by county departments to hit a target increase discussed earlier in the process.

County staff said the adopted levy represents the same percentage increase the board discussed during budget planning and that department managers and HR had tightened proposals to meet the target. A commissioner noted the board had aimed for a 2.6% increase and thanked staff for 'sharpening the pencil' to reach that figure.

During discussion, a commissioner warned that upcoming federal and state changes could materially affect next year's finances: two changes referenced would, if not resolved at higher levels, amount to roughly a $1.2 million cost shift to the county in a single department. The board did not alter the adopted levy in response; members said they would be transparent with the public if external requirements force future levy increases.

The resolutions passed by voice vote. The board also authorized the chair and county administrator to sign the budget adoption documents and directed staff to proceed with the approved spending plan and reporting.

What happens next: The board scheduled its organizational meeting for 01/06/2026 as required by Minnesota Statutes; staff will publish the adopted budget and continue monitoring any external funding changes that could require further action.