The Douglas County Board of Commissioners set the 2026 levy at 3.9 percent which is a significant reduction from the preliminary levy. Commissioners and the finance department worked together to get the levy as low as possible.
The 2026 budget was set at $76.1 million.
The commissioners made the decisions at the annual budget hearing held December 2 at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building in Alexandria. Commissioners also approved budgets for the elected offices which are: County Attorney, Auditor/Treasurer, County Recorder, and Sheriff.
Prior to the decisions, Finance Director Jill Frisell presented how the budget process works and budget specifics. She began with the fact that counties provide essential community services like road maintenance, law enforcement, social services, and veterans services. Counties pass budgets to cover the costs of these crucial services. Frisell shared that counties receive funding from numerous sources: federal and state grants, transportation sales tax, planned use of fund balance, charges and fees, and property taxes. Property taxes are 49 percent of the total.
In 2026, the highest expenses will be:
- 28.9% Roads
- 22.2% Public Safety
- 21.1% General Government
- 18.1% Health and Human Services
Auditor/Treasurer Vicki Doehling presented reasons why a property owner’s taxes might increase and the sequence of property tax mailings. She said property tax statements are mailed on or before March 31. Valuation notices, which affect the following year’s taxes, are included in that mailing. They are printed on colored paper, so residents know there are two different documents to review.
Doehling also outlined thirteen reasons why property taxes might go up or down. The reasons include the market value or classification of a property may change, the city or township budget and levy may change, as might the school districts. Of all thirteen reasons, the county board only has discretion over the county budget and levy.
Board chair Jerry Rapp also opened up the budget hearing for input from the public but no one was in attendance.
Prior to the Budget Hearing, commissioners held a 5 p.m. board meeting. At that meeting they approved a donation to the sheriff’s office for $200 from Claudia and David Carson for the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson asked for and received the board’s support for the city of Alexandria to receive funding through the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). The project to be funded is a roundabout at the intersection of CSAH 46 and South Broadway.
Community Human Services Director Tabitha Kremmin asked for permission to sign contracts with eight different organizations that serve those with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and parenting issues including the Father’s Resource Program, Vikingland Community Support Program, REM-Semi Independent Living Skills, Lakes Area Developmental Achievement Center (DAC), and Mended Inc.
The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, December 16 at 9 a.m. in the Administration Building 821 Cedar Street Alexandria.