Olmsted County Sets Maximum Increases to HRA and Property Tax Levies for 2026 Budget

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has set the preliminary tax levies for properties and the Housing Development Authority (HRA). 

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A news release issued by the county points out that the final number could shrink before the 2026 budget is certified in December. The elected leaders set the maximum tax increases during a meeting on Tuesday.

"We know any levy increase affects our residents, and we take that responsibility seriously," said Olmsted County Administrator Travis Gransee. "We will continue to meet state mandates and adjust to federal policy changes while staying as lean as possible.” 

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Olmsted County Board Set Maximum Increase for Property Tax & HRA Levies

The commissioners approved setting the maximum property tax and HRA levies at $147,282,183. The figure is made up by a $141,713,639 property tax levy and a $5,568,544 HRA levy, the news release says. 

If the maximum levy is approved, the county’s property tax collected would increase by 6.8% or $9,022,966 from the $132,690,673 property tax levy certified last year. 

Approving the maximum HRA levy would be a $396,476 or 7.8% increase of the $5,172,068 levy approved in 2024. 

“Our focus is on using public resources wisely and delivering high-quality services that improve life for everyone in our county," Gransee said. 

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Board members also voted to reduce the size of the Capital Improvement Plan, however the projects to construct an interchange at the Hwy. 14/County Rd. 44 intersection between Rochester and Byron, an exhibition center at Graham Park and a materials recovery facility are still moving forward. 

The news release says the county has been awarded state and federal funds for those projects. 

The county will hold its annual “truth in taxation” meeting on Dec. 4. Board members are scheduled to vote on certifying next year’s budget on Dec. 16.