Washington County Approves 6.95% Levy Increase for 2026 Budget
UPDATE: The Washington County Board has just approved the property tax levy for 2026, confirming a 6.95% increase—the lowest in the metro area. This unanimous decision, made on Tuesday, sets the county’s levy at $148.9 million and affects homeowners starting next year.
Homeowners of a median-valued property, currently assessed at $423,700, will experience a modest $41 increase in their county property taxes for 2026. This translates to a 4.2% rise compared to 2025, according to County Administrator Kevin Corbid. This development is critical as it directly impacts residents’ budgets amid rising costs.
The approved budget also includes a substantial $300 million in operating expenses, with $117.5 million earmarked for capital projects and $16.8 million allocated for debt service. Corbid emphasized that this budget is vital for maintaining core services that residents rely on.
In addition to the general levy, the board allocated $1.2 million for the Land and Water Legacy Program and $660,000 for the Washington County Regional Rail Authority, maintaining previous funding levels.
The budget reflects necessary adjustments due to federal cost shifts, employee compensation changes, rising healthcare costs, and inflation affecting fuel and construction. Corbid noted that any revenue shortfall will be covered through various funding sources, including state and federal reimbursements, grants, and service fees.
Capital investment plans are also ambitious for 2026, featuring $113.2 million for road and bridge projects and a $17 million renovation of the Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove. Other significant allocations include $1.3 million for a new Central Yard Waste site in Afton and $1.8 million for enhancements to county parks.
The budget aims to address growing demand in human services, responding to backlogs and waitlists while maintaining a consistent workforce ratio of five employees per 1,000 residents.
In a separate vote, the county’s five-year capital improvement plan, which oversees projects through 2030, was approved with a 4-1 vote. This plan earmarks over $493.8 million for various community investments, with a significant focus on road and bridge projects, public facilities, and parks.
The five-year plan includes $132.2 million set for 21 public facility projects, alongside $343.8 million for 68 road and bridge programs across the county. Key projects include improvements to County Highway 50 and the Highway 36/Lake Elmo Avenue interchange.
As Washington County prepares for these developments, residents are urged to stay informed about how these changes will affect their property taxes and community services. The urgency of these decisions underscores their immediate impact on the lives of residents and the infrastructure of the county.
Stay tuned for more updates as the planning continues.
