Olmsted County sets preliminary levy for 2027

At the September 15, 2026, Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board certified the preliminary 2027 levy for Olmsted County and the Olmsted County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The preliminary levy is the maximum amount the board cannot exceed when it approves the final 2027 budget and levy on December 15, 2026. 

Olmsted County 2027 levy

• Preliminary 2027 Olmsted County levy: $151,350,166
• Preliminary 2027 Olmsted County billed levy: $149,769,949 (amount to be billed to taxpayers due to 2026 levy overpayment being applied to 2027).

Olmsted County 2027 Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy

• Preliminary 2027 Olmsted County HRA levy: $5,804,098

Factors influencing county budget and proposed property tax levy

Like counties across Minnesota, Olmsted County faces rising costs and demand for services, shifting state and federal funding, and changing state and federal requirements. 

At the same time, the county must continue providing essential services, including public safety, roads and bridges, public health, human services, elections, property assessment, veterans’ services, parks, and other programs required by law, even if funding from the state and federal governments is reduced or delayed.

“As we build the proposed 2027 budget, we’re managing rising costs and meeting state and federal mandates while still delivering excellent services people rely on every day,” said Olmsted County Administrator Travis Gransee. “Many of these services are required by law, and when outside funding falls short, we must make careful local decisions. We’re committed to being thoughtful stewards of taxpayer dollars and explaining the factors that shape this year’s levy.”

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

The annual budget process also includes revising the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is a planning tool that helps the county organize major public projects by linking long‑term goals with project timelines and budget needs. 

Gransee noted that the board of commissioners once again reduced planned CIP expenditures for 2027, but important projects will move forward, including numerous road and bridge projects, such as the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 44 and Trunk Highway (TH) 14 intersection; continued building maintenance, wayfinding, and other improvements at Graham Park; and continued work to enhance parks and trails and amenities such as campgrounds.

Olmsted County has also successfully pursued state or federal funds to support several capital projects.

Cost-saving measures 

Olmsted County is taking several steps to reduce costs and keep the 2027 levy as low as possible. As noted above, the county lowered its 2027 capital improvement budget, is eliminating some positions that were previously vacated, cutting some purchase of service contracts, and shifting existing resources to ensure highest priorities can be met.

Tax levy error rectification

Olmsted County is also preparing to address a 2026 tax levy error. In March 2027, county tax statements will include an insert showing how much of the 2026 tax overpayment, plus interest, was applied to Olmsted County taxes for each taxpayer’s property.

Earlier this year, the county announced that about $1.5 million in property taxes was mistakenly added to the total tax statements. For most property taxpayers, this meant paying about $10 to $30 extra in 2026. Once the county confirmed the error, it shared this information with the public and explained options for addressing it, in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. 

To minimize further taxpayer expense and reduce confusion for residents, Olmsted County commissioners approved applying the funds to the 2027 tax levy. The county is holding the excess funds in an interest-bearing account and will use them to reduce the amount to be billed in 2027. Each property owner will be informed of the specific impact to their property taxes in the March tax statement.

“We take our responsibility to taxpayers seriously,” said Gransee. “By being thoughtful about spending, and by staying principled and service‑focused in our decisions, we’re able to meet our obligations and continue providing important and excellent services. Our values guide us as we work to support a strong, welcoming community.”

Upcoming county budget meetings

There are a few upcoming public meetings related to the county’s 2027 budget. 

• December 1, 2026 - 6 p.m.: Truth in Taxation public meeting. 
• December 15, 2026 - 6 p.m.: Olmsted County commissioners adopt the final 2027 budget and levy.  

Details about these public meetings are available on our Olmsted County website. Residents may choose to join these meetings in-person in the board room at the Olmsted County Government Center. Residents may also join the meetings virtually via the Microsoft Teams link provided in the meeting agendas.  

Upcoming 2027 budget communications

A news release will be distributed the evening of December 15, 2026, providing details about Olmsted County’s final 2027 budget and levy. This communication will provide a link to the 2027 Budget in Brief (an overview of the Olmsted County budget and assessed taxes by the county and other taxing entities. It will also feature examples of Olmsted County’s work to provide effective and efficient government using tax levy and other revenue). 

To see the materials created for the county’s 2026 budget, view the resources available on the county’s budget webpage. This page will be updated with 2027 information in mid-December 2026. 

Video – How property taxes work in Olmsted County

Wondering how your property tax bill is calculated or why it changes each year? This video explains how property taxes work in Olmsted County. It covers property values, levies, where the money goes, and how you can share feedback throughout the process. 

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Media Contact: Katy Winge, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6536