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McLeod County outlines proposed 2026 levy, budget and how school levy shifts affect taxpayers
Summary
County officials presented a preliminary 2026 levy with a proposed 2.5% county increase, a draft $5.9 million capital plan largely funded from reserves, and examples showing school-district levy changes drove much of the variation on individual tax statements; final levies and the budget are scheduled for Dec. 16, 2025.
McLeod County officials on Tuesday reviewed the proposed 2026 levy and budget, telling residents the county is proposing a 2.5% increase to its preliminary levy and will rely on reserves to limit taxpayer impact.
Connie, who led the auditor‑treasurer portion of the presentation, told attendees that "McLeod County has the lowest proposed increase out of all 87 Minnesota counties," and walked through charts showing how levies and taxable value interact to determine individual tax bills.
The presentation explained valuation mechanics and timing: Assessor Sue Schultz said staff inspect properties on a five‑year cycle and base assessments on market sales and building characteristics, using certificates of real estate value (ECRVs) from title companies; she noted state guidance requires sales ratios to fall between 90% and 105% of market. Schultz also emphasized that values for the current cycle were set in June and appeals were heard in spring, so "we are not allowed to make any changes to your value" at the meeting.
Officials presented countywide figures for payable year 2026: estimated market value (EMV) of about $7,026,140,000 and total property tax dollars around $73,000,304. By classification, county presenters said agriculture will pay roughly 19% of the tax, residential about 56%, commercial/industrial about 21% and apartments about 4%.
Connie illustrated how changes in other taxing authorities affect a homeowner’s bill, using a Round Grove Township parcel that showed a 20.22% decrease in the bottom‑line tax largely because a school district levy declined. She noted that 108 of 328 Minnesota school districts certified levy decreases for 2026 and that declining enrollments were a commonly cited reason.
Colleen Robach, McLeod County finance director, reviewed the budget process, reserves and spending priorities. She said the preliminary budget approved Sept. 9 set a maximum 2.5% levy increase and that some levy increase (about $735,000) was allocated to the road and bridge fund to meet the county’s fund‑balance policy. Robach listed general fund capital requests at roughly $2.7 million and said the total capital assets budget in the preliminary plan is $5.9 million, with a large portion to be funded from reserves rather than new debt.
Robach also disclosed outstanding levy‑backed debt of $10,260,000 and special assessment debt of about $2,400,000, for a total reported debt of $12,714,531. She said wages and benefits make up 46% of the county’s expenditures, with 2026 personal wages budgeted at more than $31,000,000 and a projected 6.5% cost‑of‑living increase.
Officials emphasized next steps: the final 2026 McLeod County budget and levies will be considered at the county board meeting on Dec. 16, 2025. Connie reminded residents that final levies may be reduced but cannot exceed the preliminary levy.
The presentation closed with offers for one‑on‑one meetings to review individual parcel information and depreciation schedules, and the Truth and Taxation meeting was adjourned.
