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Waseca County reviews 2026 budget forecast; sheriff asks for two squad cars, schoolhouse repairs and a lead dispatcher role
Summary
At a work session the Waseca County Board reviewed a preliminary 2026 budget built on a 2% levy baseline and heard the sheriff request two replacement squad cars, up to $50,000 for fairgrounds schoolhouse repairs used as an operational hub, and a new lead dispatcher position to handle NextGen 911 responsibilities.
The Waseca County Board of Commissioners reviewed a preliminary 2026 budget forecast that uses a 2% levy assumption and includes department-level requests for vehicles, facility repairs and personnel changes. County staff presented a workbook showing 2024 actuals, 2025 year-to-date figures and projected 2026 allocations, along with property-tax impact examples for 0–5% levy scenarios.
During department presentations the sheriff outlined three primary requests: two replacement squad cars scheduled for 2026; up to $50,000 to repair and upgrade the fairgrounds “schoolhouse” (used as a command/first-aid/polling station) to address leaking doors, windows and an aging electrical/air system; and creation of a dispatch lead/supervisor role to manage NextGen 911 systems and maintain vendor logins. Staff noted approximately $385,000 is assigned for vehicle purchases, with $150,000 slated for 2026; radios and 911-related equipment also have assigned funds.
Commissioners pressed for cost estimates and implementation details. Board members asked whether two part-time dispatchers could be consolidated into one full‑time position; presenters replied that some part‑time dispatchers hold other full‑time jobs, limiting availability, and that a dedicated lead is unique in the region. Staff said Waseca County was the only county in the packet that lacked a designated supervisory lead for dispatch compared with several neighboring counties that have dedicated chief dispatchers or administrators.
Budget staff explained how transfers and assigned funds are being used to offset capital purchases. They noted a 5910 transfer account and that some CARES-era funds and interest earnings are being used to smooth the levy impact. Staff recommended additional follow-up before preliminary levy certification in September and offered to bring two‑ and four‑year levy and bonding scenarios for commissioners to review.
Next steps: staff will prepare more detailed cost estimates for the sheriff’s vehicle and facility requests, and a job description and salary estimate for the proposed dispatch lead. Commissioners directed staff to include those refinements in the materials circulated ahead of preliminary levy certification.
