Freeborn County sets $36.4 million preliminary levy, schedules Truth and Taxation meeting

Freeborn County commissioners voted to set a proposed 2027 preliminary tax levy of $36,437,497, which county finance staff said equates to a 16.8% increase over 2026. The board approved the levy amount and set the required Truth and Taxation meeting for Dec. 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the board chambers.

Finance staff said the preliminary levy is a ceiling, not the final amount, and the administration and department heads will continue budget work through December to seek ways to lower the number before the final levy is certified. "Our proposed 2027 preliminary tax levy is $36,437,497 which equates to a 16.8% increase over 2026," the finance representative said. Commissioners noted rising personnel costs, insurance premiums and mandated services driven by state and federal requirements as drivers of the increase. The board chair and administration said a workshop in October will present options and long‑term impacts of levy choices.