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Isanti County narrows 2026 levy options; staff to present numbers with 3.63% as maximum
Summary
County staff outlined multiple 2026 levy scenarios, saying the current estimate is about 5.32% and that using capital funds and $650,000 in fund balance could lower the levy to roughly 2.96%; the board directed staff to prepare materials for Truth-in-Taxation, using 3.63% as the maximum option.
County Administrator Amanda Usher told the Isanti County Board on Dec. 2 that the county’s preliminary 2026 levy estimate stands at about 5.32 percent, and staff have modeled scenarios to reduce that number.
“If we use capital dollars to pay for the parking lot project, that would bring the levy down to 3.63%,” Amanda Usher said, explaining that applying existing capital funds to planned projects could reduce reliance on levy revenue. She later said using $650,000 of fund balance to offset capital expenses would lower the levy to about 2.96%.
Usher told commissioners she and department staff are still finalizing figures for personnel, insurance and state-aid changes that affect the final rate. She recommended preparing levy scenarios that reflect both a moderate option and a lower, under‑3 percent option so the board can weigh public and internal priorities before Truth-in-Taxation later this month.
Commissioners questioned the sustainability of lower levy targets given uncertain state and federal funding for mandated programs and rising insurance and personnel costs. One commissioner said a levy under 3% would be “more palatable” to many residents; another said the board must balance constituent concerns with staff and program needs.
Usher said staff will run refined spreadsheets and produce two clear scenarios for the board’s review at the next Committee of the Whole meeting and at the Truth-in-Taxation presentation: the board indicated 3.63% as the maximum figure they want presented this week, with staff also preparing an under-3% alternative for consideration.
Next steps: staff will circulate updated dollar impacts and a comparative property‑owner example ahead of the upcoming budget meetings so the board can adopt a final levy resolution on the scheduled timeline.
