Stearns County Eyes 7% Levy Increase for 2027, Down From 14%

(KNSI) — Stearns County property owners could see a smaller tax increase than county departments first asked for.

Commissioners are looking at a levy hike of about 7% for 2027. That’s roughly half of the 14% increase departments originally requested, and that number could still drop, because commissioners have said they want to take as much of the burden off taxpayers as they can.

The preliminary budget goes before commissioners Tuesday, July 14th. It trims the proposed levy through spending cuts, other budget adjustments and by tapping nearly $4 million in reserve funds.

County documents point to rising personnel costs, new state and federal mandates and higher Human Services expenses as the main drivers of spending. The proposal adds 13 new Human Services positions to keep up with growing workloads and legal requirements. County Human Services Administrator Melissa Huberty says about 94% of the services her department provides are mandated.

The budget also uses reserve funds to cover one-time technology upgrades, keep a highway construction program of nearly $23 million on track, and hold down the impact on taxpayers.

Commissioners plan to hold several budget work sessions through August and September before voting on the preliminary levy September 29th. The final 2027 budget has to be approved by December 15th.

___