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Meeker County adopts preliminary 2025 levy and preliminary budget with 3.5% levy increase
Summary
County finance staff presented a preliminary 2025 budget showing $52,620,153 in total revenue and $52,461,782 in expenses (a $158,371 surplus); the board set the preliminary net levy at $17,415,859, a 3.5% increase, and will hold truth‑in‑taxation hearings before finalizing the budget in December.
Meeker County finance staff reviewed the preliminary 2025 budget and the county board adopted a preliminary levy that would increase the net levy by 3.5%.
"For 2025, we have total revenue of $52,620,153 and total expenses of $52,461,782 which has a net positive balance of $158,371," Finance Director Andrew Lipson told the board. Lipson explained the budget is assembled across multiple funds—general revenue, road and bridge, human services, parks and others—and that capital and remodel timing drive year‑to‑year swings.
Lipson described key capital items and fund‑balance plans: the county anticipates using about $4.4 million in fund balance in the preliminary budget, of which roughly $2.9 million is for completion of an ongoing remodel project; planned capital purchases include road construction ($7.3 million), vehicle replacements and facility improvements.
After discussion, Commissioner Steve moved to set the preliminary 2025 net levy at $17,415,859 (a 3.5% increase over 2024); Commissioner Julie seconded the motion and the board voted to adopt the preliminary levy. Lipson urged the board to consider retaining fund balance rather than using savings to reduce the levy immediately, noting doing so reduces pressure to raise levies more steeply in later years.
Next procedural steps: the county will hold the statutory truth‑in‑taxation hearing(s) in December and expects to approve a final levy and budget at the second December meeting. The board’s action today sets the preliminary levy for required public notification and the budget process to continue through public hearings.
