Greetings from Le Sueur County
The dust is settling on the 2025 State Legislative Session, and we are still evaluating county impacts. Fortunately, it does not appear any major cost shifts have been passed onto county governments and property taxpayers.
As I had written in my last several columns, we were very concerned about proposals that would have shifted significant costs to counties. While this is positive news, the State of Minnesota is projecting a $6 billion deficit in the next budget cycle, so talks about county shifts will remain an ongoing topic.
On the federal level, Congress continues to discuss changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and passing costs onto States and/or Counties. The current proposals being considered are to have States/Counties pay a portion of the benefit payment, along with reduced administrative cost-share. In evaluating current proposals under consideration, our county impact could be up to $600,000.
In the Environmental Services area, the State has reduced aquatic invasive species aid by 50 percent, which will require the County to re-evaluate how we use those funds for invasive species control in our lakes. Additionally, there was a small reduction to county aid for feedlot inspections.
The State Legislature also made a law change regarding the use of rifles for deer hunting. The law was changed to allow rifle hunting throughout Minnesota in 2026. In other words, eliminating all shotgun zones. However, the State did grant County Boards the option of adopting an ordinance if they wish to stay shotgun only. This is an issue the County Board will need to consider as we approach the 2026 hunting season.
The County has started the 2026 budget development process with plans for several work sessions in July and August to go through all Department budgets. The preliminary budget and levy will be acted upon on September 23. The estimated tax statements that property owners receive are based upon preliminary levy. Once the preliminary levy is set, the Board cannot add any spending to the levy but can make reductions prior to the final levy hearing which will be held December 2.
The Board convened the Board of Appeal and Equalization on the evening of June 17 where citizens had their final opportunity to dispute property valuations that will be used for 2026 property taxes. The Assessor’s Office reported the County will add $36.4 million to its tax base from new construction, down from $42.5 million in the year prior.
The highest added value for new construction in a city was in the City of Montgomery with $4.3 million, while Washington Township led the way for townships with $4.1 million.
The total county estimated market value is up 2.4 percent to $6.6 billion, down from 5.6 percent the year prior. On average, average property type value increases are moderate and we do not expect any major shifts in property tax burdens. The Assessor’s Office reported residential property value will rise an average of 2.7 percent, with agricultural value remaining flat. The largest value increases were seen in apartments (9.6 percent) and commercial (4.8 percent).
Acting as the Drainage Authority, the Board approved a lien on County Ditch 40 and approved starting the redetermination of benefits process on County Ditches 4, 17, 47 and 64.
The Board also held a discussion on the draft cannabis ordinance, which will be scheduled for a public hearing and adoption at a subsequent Board meeting.
The Board also continues to evaluate long-term options for flood mitigation in the Cannon River watershed with the goal of reducing flood impacts in the Waterville community. Currently, the County is exploring seeking federal funds from two different sources for water storage in the watershed and passed a resolution to formally seek future State of Minnesota resources. If you are landowner in the Cannon River watershed that is interested in working with the County on water storage options, please reach out to the Le Sueur County Soil and Water Conservation District.