Goodhue County Board approves $48.2 million preliminary 2026 tax levy

On September 16, Goodhue County Commissioners voted to approve a preliminary property tax levy for 2026 of $48,261,504, which is $2,945,529 or 6.5% higher than the 2025 levy.

Despite rising costs from federal and state cost shifts (including new SNAP work requirements), labor union contracts, and a 23% jump in health insurance premiums for its 380 employees, the tax rate in Goodhue County remains well below its five- and ten-year averages.

“Goodhue County takes the fiscal responsibility of setting the tax levy and the impact it has on residents, businesses, farmers, and veterans very seriously,” shares Goodhue County Administrator Scott Arneson. “We strive to balance increased costs, limited resources, county obligations, federal and state policy changes, and county residents’ needs while honoring our mission to effectively promote the safety, health and wellbeing of our residents.”

The levy increase does not have a uniform effect on all properties. For example, the county share of property taxes paid on a median-valued home is estimated to go up by $30 next year—about a 3% increase. This is based on an uptick in county-wide property value, 20% of which was from new construction, signaling a strong and expanding tax base in Goodhue County.

The approved levy—which can be adjusted down but cannot increase before final approval in December—is $1.56 million less than the amount presented to Commissioners in August as part of a proposed 2026 budget, which totaled $100,568,402.

The 2026 budget included one new program, Sentence to Serve, a rehabilitation and public service program which has been an option in court sentencing for 35 years in Goodhue County. The cost-sharing and management of the program was cut from the state budget passed in June.

In the coming weeks, officials will continue to work and adjust the 2026 budget. The county could delay capital investments and repairs, reduce operating costs, and tap other revenue sources such as increased fees and the drawing down of reserve funds. Such adjustments are made carefully, keeping in mind the effect on budgets in subsequent years.

The county attempts to limit tax increases without sacrificing the quality of the services it provides. However, the cost of delivering mandated and essential county services continues to rise.

In November taxpayers will be mailed a notice of proposed 2026 tax amounts for their particular property. Then on December 2 at 6 p.m., a public meeting will be held to hear taxpayer feedback on the county levy and budget. The meeting will be in the County Boardroom located at the Goodhue County Government Center at 509 W 5th St. in Red Wing.