Harvey County moves forward on 2026 budget after public RNR hearing; commissioners adjust final levy

Harvey County residents and commissioners again addressed the 2026 budget process this month after a combined August 26 public hearing on the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and the 2026 budget. At the Aug. 26 RNR hearing the commission adopted Resolution 2025‑23 allowing the county to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate calculation for 2026 (the RNR was stated as 41.269 mills). The formal vote to adopt Resolution 2025‑23 was taken that evening and passed on a roll‑call, unanimous vote.

County staff presented details about drivers of the proposed increase: rising costs for road materials, insurance and staff compensation and a published inclusion of four sheriff deputies (noted as about $697,782 annually). At the RNR hearing staff summarized that the published proposed levy "levies about 1.7 million more in property taxes than last year." Commissioner Don Schroeder reminded the audience that the county portion is a fraction of the total property tax bill and noted that each one mill levied by the county equals roughly $424,000. During public comment, some residents said they supported adding deputies for public safety while others warned that homeowners on fixed incomes could not absorb higher taxes. Sheriff Chad Gay told the commission that the added cost for four deputies would equate to about $42 per year for a $200,000 residence.

After further review the commission met Sept. 2 and adopted a revised 2026 Harvey County budget with reduced staffing additions (two deputy positions instead of four) and total budget authority presented as $37,557,367 with a maximum ad valorem levy of $18,942,066. Commissioners said they would continue to consider resident comments and budget priorities in work sessions and follow‑up meetings.