Dakota County approves 2027 maximum levy
Sept. 23, 2026
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Sept. 22 approved a 2027 maximum proposed levy increase of 17 percent to support operations and 1.5 percent to build up reserves.
Commissioners set the max levy at a total of $218,331,588 for next year. When they approve a final 2027 budget in December, they can lower the levy but cannot increase it.
The property tax levy is 46 percent of the county’s operating budget and the largest revenue source. The county also relies on state and federal dollars, fees, and other revenue.
The board weighed multiple budget scenarios, all of which included spending cuts and a levy increase. Together, they help balance a budget strained by rising operation costs, more state and federal cost shifts, and growing demand for services. The 1.5-percent levy increase will help rebuild reserves.
County leaders are finalizing where spending cuts will occur. Cuts are expected to total more than $13 million. That could include park services and programs, library hours and materials, and social services programs. Final decisions will be made in December.
The 2026 operating budget is $383.2 million. The total budget, including operations and capital projects, is $527.7 million.
The county is limited in what services it can reduce or eliminate. More than 70 percent of the operating budget pays for mandated services the county cannot stop providing.
This levy increase applies only to the county share of a property tax bill. Cities, schools, townships and other taxing districts set their own levies.
County government makes up 17 percent of all property tax dollars in Dakota County.
The estimated county tax on a median-value home with a market value of $392,100 in Dakota County in 2027 would be $925, an increase of $142 on the median-value home in 2026. Property owners will receive a proposed 2027 property tax notice from the county in November.
The county’s last Budget and Property Tax Open House will be Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 5–6 p.m. at the Administration Center in Hastings. A Budget and Levy Public Hearing is at 6 p.m. at the same location.
The board will approve a final 2027 budget and levy on Dec. 15. For more information, visit the Budget and Financial Reports page.