On July 29th, eager eyes tuned into computer screens as the Washington County Board of Commissioners streamed their pencils-to-paper budget review for the fiscal year 2026. The board sliced into the meat of the county's financial plan, touching on the various departments from Community Development to Human Resources to Information Technology. In the scope of their deliberation, the Board's budget landed under scrutiny too.
The calendar ahead lays out a handful of dates for the public to keep tabs on, with the board set to hear out the rest of the departmental budget proposals through August. Presentations include those from heavy hitters like Public Works and Metro Transit Gold Line on Aug. 5, and later down the line, the Sheriff's Office on Aug. 26, according to a report on the county's own site, WashingtonCountyMN.gov.
It’s not just presentations filling out the board's agenda—there are key dates with broader implications for residents' pockets. These include setting a preliminary levy by September 23, holding a public meeting about the proposed budget on December 2, and adopting the final budget on December 16, the site detailed.
Talking taxes, homeowners might feel their wallets a little lighter if a proposed 6.9% levy increase to $148.8 million is greenlit. This markup, if passed, could nudge up the county property tax for median-valued homes by $50—adding up to a 5.1% rise from last year's figures. When it comes to frugality, Washington County can flex some muscle; it boasts the second-lowest tax rate and settles into third place for lowest property tax levy per capita in the metro cluster, as touted in their July 29 budget workshop recap.
The commissioners earmarked dollars for sticking to what's already promised rather than weaving new commitments into the fiscal fabric. "The recommended 2026 budget prioritizes the county’s current obligations to the public and employees," the website quotes. A smattering of new roles will emerge, though, aimed at tackling service delays and shoring up county infrastructures.
Electric vehicle enthusiasts may brighten at the prospect of one-time funding for charging stations, while votes will likely get counted a tad smoother thanks to cash funneled into election administration. Big-ticket capital investments aren't left by the wayside either, with $9.1 million tagged for facility facelifts, including a new chapter for the Park Grove Library.
For those hankering for more insight, the detailed budget presentations are set to adorn the county's website.
