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County commissioner tells Otsego council county levy pressures could push a 9% increase
Summary
Wright County Commissioner Jeanne Holland told the council the county faces insurance and SNAP-related shifts that could raise the county levy by about 9% (roughly $9 million); she described $750,000 in cuts to HHS and other efficiencies to reduce the impact on property taxpayers.
At the Otsego City Council open forum, Wright County Commissioner Jeanne Holland updated the council on county budget pressures and potential levy impacts.
Holland said deputy pay will increase by about $1.22 an hour and that insurance costs for the county rose roughly 18 percent. She said recent state decisions to shift SNAP administration to counties contributed to fiscal pressure and that the county currently sees a possible 9 percent levy increase—about $9 million overall—if all pressures materialize.
"We've already cut $750,000 from HHS," Holland said, and described streamlining measures, not back‑filling some retirements, and changes in phone systems that saved roughly $100,000. She said commissioners are working to reduce the levy impact on local taxpayers and will continue to review budget lines closely.
Council members asked which departments were affected and whether staffing levels could be sustained as the county trims positions; Holland said HHS, highway, assessors and DMV functions have been reviewed and that some areas are already running "slim." She urged the city to be mindful that county levies affect local bond and levy efforts for schools and other local services.
Holland closed by saying county leaders are continuing to look for ways to lower the projected increase and will work with cities to manage impacts.
