Anoka County trims 2026 levy from proposed 9.9% to 9.4% after close board vote

ANOKA, Minn. 

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 adopted its final 2026 budget and property tax levy, approving a 9.4 percent levy increase after reducing the rate from an earlier proposed 9.9 percent. The decision passed on a narrow 4-3 vote following weeks of public review under Minnesota’s Truth in Taxation process.

The final certified levy for 2026 totals $200.313 million, down roughly $915,000 from the preliminary levy of $201.229 million approved in September. Under state law, counties may lower but not raise their final levy above the preliminary figure set earlier in the fall.

County officials described the reduction as a modest but deliberate adjustment that balances taxpayer concerns with what they say are growing financial pressures on county operations.

What the levy change means

The adopted levy represents a half percentage point reduction from the preliminary proposal, lowering the increase from 9.9 percent to 9.4 percent. For the owner of a median valued home in Anoka County, estimated at about $338,000, the county portion of the property tax bill is expected to rise by approximately $84 in 2026.

County administrators emphasized that Anoka County controls only its portion of the property tax statement. Levies set by cities, school districts, and special taxing districts are approved independently and appear separately on taxpayers’ bills.

In the final levy resolution, the county lists a total gross levy of about $225.4 million, offset by roughly $25.1 million in county program aid, resulting in the net certified levy of $200.313 million.

A shift in long term fiscal strategy

The 2026 levy increase is part of a broader multi year effort by the county to address structural budget challenges after years of relying on one time reserves to support ongoing expenses. County leaders have said that earlier strategies of flat or minimal levy increases are no longer sustainable if the county is to maintain services and remain competitive in attracting and retaining employees.

According to county budget documents and public statements, wage adjustments and other investments in recent years were supported in part by reserves, a practice officials now say cannot continue without weakening the county’s long term financial position.

The board has outlined a goal of gradually reducing annual levy increases to between five and six percent by 2029 as reserve use is phased out and revenues better align with recurring costs.

Planning for future pressures

County officials also pointed to anticipated fiscal changes beyond 2026. The adopted budget is designed to prepare for potential shifts in federal and state programs beginning late in 2026, as well as the costs associated with Minnesota’s new paid leave program, which will affect county operations and staffing.

“These decisions are about stability and predictability,” county leaders said during the final budget discussion, noting that delaying adjustments would likely require steeper increases later.

Budget priorities for 2026

The 2026 budget aligns with Anoka County’s strategic framework and prioritizes spending in several core areas, including public safety, transportation and infrastructure, community services, workforce support, communication and digital services, and overall livability.

While the final vote reflected continued disagreement among commissioners over the size of the increase, the adopted levy marks a measured step down from the initial proposal and sets the financial direction for the county heading into 2026.

County officials said additional details on individual departmental budgets and tax impacts will be available through the county’s budget office and online resources as residents review their Truth in Taxation statements.

MinneapoliMedia