Meeker Residents Could See a Double Digit Property Tax Increase in 2026 and 2027

Meeker County residents could see a double-digit property tax increase in 2026 and in 2027, driven largely by cost shifts included in various budget proposals that have been proposed by Governor Walz and are being considered by the Legislature in the final weeks of the legislative session. The proposals would impose additional costs for essential services, including Medicaid and disability waiver programs on counties without granting the authority to influence program criteria, eligibility, or cost structures.

These proposed shifts come on top of already rising expenses for wages, benefits, materials, and equipment, which could translate to a property tax increase of over 10% in the next two years. The Meeker County Board of Commissioners supports the need for equitable state funding and is
understanding of the state’s need to address its own financial issues, but the proposed cost shifts will
result in further strain on local taxpayers and non-mandated county services.

In Minnesota, human services operate under a State-Supervised, County Administered model where counties administer state programs, but lack the control over costs or service delivery. As a result, several of the budget proposals do not control the cost of these services, but instead shift the rising burden to local taxpayers.

Meeker County Board Chair Paul Johnson says Meeker County has managed its finances in a responsible and conservative manner for many years, which has allowed them to minimize the cost of local government services while remaining financially stable. However, he says shifting the burden of these
programs to the local level will add to the local tax levy without actually controlling the cost of the
services.

The Board of Commissioners has held productive discussions with local legislators to express concerns
about these proposals. The County will continue to advocate for solutions that protect residents from an
undue property tax burden while ensuring that residents have access to the services they need. Johnson says the Meeker County Board of Commissioners is committed to ensuring that the residents of Meeker
County have access to high-quality services, particularly those who are the most vulnerable, while
simultaneously working to minimize the cost on taxpayers.