Hancock County supervisors hold hearing on proposed FY2026–27 property tax levy; township funding concerns raised

The Hancock County Board of Supervisors — Supervisors Florence “Sis” Greiman, Gary Rayhons and Osmund “Bud” Jermeland, chair — met March 24 in Garner and held a public hearing on the county’s proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2026–2027.

Auditor Michelle K. Eisenman told the board that notice of the hearing had been published in the county’s official newspaper, the Leader, posted on the county website and on county officials’ social media pages, and that affidavits of mailing related to HF718 letters were on file. No written comments had been received before the hearing.

During public comment, resident Glen Alden asked whether the county or townships face levy caps and said townships may be pushed to shift more expenses to the county. Supervisor Osmund “Bud” Jermeland replied that county levy caps apply to General Basic and Rural Basic levies and said that a bill affecting townships—referenced in mailings as HF718—was "dead." Greiman and Jermeland cited Ellington Township as an example of a township that was at its levy maximum and facing tight resources for maintenance such as cemetery upkeep.

Mr. Alden also asked about limits on school levies. Auditor Michelle K. Eisenman said he could attend school hearings; Supervisor Jermeland said school allocations are limited and estimated “about 2 percent” this year, and Supervisor Greiman explained that the county sets its levies while schools, extension, hospital and township levies are set by those entities and collected by the county.

After the discussion, Supervisor Gary Rayhons moved to close the public hearing; Supervisor Florence “Sis” Greiman seconded and all supervisors voted in favor. No formal vote on the levy amount was recorded at this session. With no further business, Supervisor Greiman moved to adjourn at 9:13 a.m.; the motion carried and the board planned to reconvene at 10:30 a.m. the same day.