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Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors adopts 2026–27 budget, reducing county levy
Summary
After a public hearing, the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors adopted the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget, which proposes a countywide levy drop from $5.33 to $4.98 and maintains revenue reliance on property taxes and intergovernmental aid.
The Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors voted April 27 to adopt the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget, approving Resolution 2026 No. 23 after a public hearing and brief comment period.
Heather, the county budget manager, presented the proposal and levy history, saying the countywide levy is proposed to fall from $5.33 to $4.98 and the rural levy from $3.26 to $3.17. She told the board that property taxes are expected to provide about 50% of the county’s estimated revenue, with intergovernmental revenue accounting for roughly 28%.
Heather outlined major spending categories: public safety and court-related services comprise about 31% of budgeted expenditures, roads and transportation about 21%, and capital projects include $2.5 million for secondary roads and another $2.5 million for other capital work, including construction of a rockwall shed. She also noted the county’s debt service for the law enforcement center is in its final payment year, which contributed to the proposed levy reductions.
During the public hearing, Polina, who identified herself as a Mason City resident, said she was concerned the budget was funding preparations tied to a 400-acre industrial project and that ‘‘tens of thousands of dollars’’ had been spent to make a site shovel-ready. County officials responded that rezoning and development inside Mason City are city jurisdiction, not county authority, and thus not directly controlled by the board.
The board adopted the budget by voice vote after several supervisors thanked Heather and county staff for their work on the proposal. The public hearing was then closed.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 2026 No. 22 (auditor’s transfer of funds): adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 2026 No. 23 (adopt FY 2026–2027 budget): adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 2026 No. 24 (set bid dates for solar correction project): adopted by voice vote; bids set for May 26, 2026, due at 10:00 a.m. in the auditor’s office with the letting at 10:15 a.m.
The board also approved routine business by voice vote, including claims and payroll for the period ending April 18, 2026, a dock permit, and a motion to send the watchman to investigate three drainage work orders. The meeting adjourned following brief announcements.
