County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the budgeting schedule for the 2026 budget at the board’s May 3 meeting.
Budgeting plans will include a possible 3% cost of living increase, an estimated 13% to 15% increased insurance cost, and the state requirements for family leave. Hillery explained everything will be put into the budget, which is required to provide a service. The legislature has not passed a budget yet which lays out the dollars to be provided by the state. Which services will be mandated by the state? If the state no longer will provide revenue for a service, is the county required to continue providing that service; these questions have not been answered.
Hillery said some services which have been funded by the state may have to be funded by property taxes or through the removal of other non-mandated services. Hillery said they will use dollars in the best way they can.
Commissioner Duane Bakke noted there is a fight over County Program Aid (CPA) in the legislature. Also, the workload will increase due to the new requirement to check on eligibility for human services every six months instead of once yearly.
Commissioner Randy Dahl noted Representative Greg Davids has been fighting to keep CPA stable.
The proposed tax levy for taxes payable in 2026 must be adopted by the end of September. The Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for December 2 and the final budget and levy for 2026 must be adopted before the end of this year.
Other Business in Brief
•The repurchase of tax-forfeited property (301 Oak St. S) by the previous owner (Tracy L. Schmitz) in the city of Mabel was ratified. Schmitz has paid $14,738.18, which includes the purchase price and associated fees. The full sum includes delinquent taxes, penalties and interest, and any costs accrued on the property. State statute allows the previous owner to buy tax-forfeited property back.
•Land Use Director Blake Lea explained the Planning Commission, after a public hearing, has recommended the issuance of a conditional use permit for Midwest Industrial Fuels, Inc. for a propane storage and distribution facility on property owned by Miriam Harstad in section 16 of Harmony Township. Lea said the nearest neighbor is over 500 feet away. Harstad is expected to sell/transfer ownership of the property once the CUP is approved. The CUP was approved with no conditions.
•Payment of jail project Paybook #27 in the total amount of $94,679.77 was approved. Hillery said demolition will begin this week on the actual jail itself. Prisoners are being transferred elsewhere or being monitored electronically. Commissioner Mitch Lentz noted progress on the renovation of the original jail building is moving right along.
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