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Morrison County approves $66.24 million 2026 budget, certifies levies and debt-service plan
Summary
The Morrison County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 final budget of $66,235,804, certified the county and HRA levies and acknowledged a $905,531 debt-service levy; votes were taken by roll call and motions carried. Staff explained the levy covers the taxpayer-funded portion of the budget and noted a $70,000 HRA levy increase from 2025.
The Morrison County Board of Commissioners on a majority vote adopted the county’s 2026 final budget, certified the county and Morrison County Housing and Redevelopment Authority levies and approved a debt-service levy. The board approved a $66,235,804 total expenditures budget for 2026 after discussion and a roll-call vote.
County staff and commissioners repeatedly emphasized that the budget figure represents total projected expenditures and that the levy is the portion paid for by property taxpayers. County finance staff explained other revenue sources — state and federal fees, reserves and program-specific funds — offset much of the total so that “the full $66,235,804 does not come out of the taxpayer levy.”
During roll call on the budget, Commissioners Ramirez, Blaine, Casper and Winter recorded aye votes and Commissioner Miranda recorded a nay; the chair announced the motion carried. Earlier in the meeting the board also carried a separate motion to set the county’s 2026 final levy.
The board separately approved the 2026 final levy for the Morrison County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). Staff described the HRA as providing housing services in the community for elderly residents, people experiencing homelessness and veterans; the board was told county funding to the HRA increased by $70,000 compared with 2025. Commissioner Winter moved the HRA levy and Commissioner DeBlaine seconded; the motion passed on the board’s vote.
County staff next presented and the board approved a 2026 debt-service levy of $905,531. Staff clarified the list of terms used: the county may use excess 2025 fund balance to pay principal and interest that fall due in 2026, and the 2026 levy is intended to fund principal and interest obligations coming due in 2027. The staff explanation stated the debt-service levy and the use of fund balance are procedures to smooth payments across fiscal years.
All formal motions noted in the meeting were announced from the dais and taken by roll call. The board then moved on to other business, including ratified union contracts and two planned closed sessions (one for litigation and one for a performance evaluation).
The board’s next procedural step is the planned closed sessions on litigation with the IBIA and on an employee performance evaluation; the meeting moved into closed session at the chair’s request.
