The Goodhue County Board on Dec. 16 approved the 2026 budget and a final levy of $48,261,504, an increase of approximately $2.95 million or 6.5% over the 2025 levy.

Administrative staff (S15) said the proposed budget totals $93,616,249 and reflects higher health‑care costs, state and federal legislative changes that reduced some revenues while imposing new mandates, and capital and facilities priorities identified in a recent facilities assessment. The staff recommendation included using just over $1.7 million of fund balance and several staffing adjustments, including elimination of three positions in the draft budget.

Commissioners discussed health‑care cost inflation—staff said next year’s rate is capped at 19% but there is pressure for higher increases—and emphasized the need to begin planning for the 2027 budget earlier than in past years. Board members also commended staff for multiple budget workshops and for reducing the preliminary levy from an earlier higher proposal.

The board approved the budget and levy as presented by voice vote. Finance staff later presented fund balance commitments projected as of Dec. 31, 2025, and the board approved those commitments.

The county will hold its first 2026 meeting at 9 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2026, and staff said a follow‑up schedule of workshops and a review of the 2027 outlook will be forthcoming.