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Aitkin County adopts 2026 appropriations after debate over CARE funding
Summary
After a lengthy debate and testimony from Aitkin County CARE’s director, the county board adopted the 2026 appropriation resolution on a 3–2 roll call, preserving the preliminary levy but leaving CARE’s requested increase unfunded.
Aitkin County commissioners adopted the county’s 2026 appropriations on a 3–2 roll call following a detailed debate over social‑service funding and county budget tradeoffs. The budget, approved as recommended by the budget committee, keeps the preliminary levy at 5.24% and incorporates adjustments to offset a 20% increase in the county’s PEEP insurance costs.
Amy Wyant, executive director of Aitkin County CARE, told the board that a recent cut to federal Older Americans Act Title III‑E funding reduced CARE’s allocation by $49,994 and that CARE is absorbing unreimbursed costs—“CARE has absorbed $12,036.20 in unreimbursed costs to provide our services,” she said—while also working to build new transportation and client services. Wyant said loss of space and furnishings after other partners vacated a building created additional pressure and described a plan to manage rent and recruit subtenants if the board did not provide extra one‑time funding.
Budget committee members and other commissioners warned that restoring CARE’s requested increase would raise the levy or require drawing on one‑time fund balance. County Auditor Kathleen Ryan explained the committee’s adjustments were intended to keep the levy at the preliminary rate and to offset insurance increases. Commissioners who favored restoring CARE funding said they wanted to help vulnerable residents; others stressed the need to keep the county’s long‑term budgets sustainable.
Commissioner Levitzka voted in favor of the appropriation resolution and moved its adoption; Commissioner Westerlund and Commissioner Carney voted no, citing the need for budget discipline and lack of available levy room; Commissioner Sample and the presiding chair voted to adopt the resolution. The motion carried 3–2.
The board’s action finalizes appropriations for 2026 but leaves lingering questions about CARE’s facility costs, reduced federal reimbursements, and the organization’s near‑term operations; Wyant said she would continue to look for grants and partnerships while the group pursues subtenants and other revenue options.
