The board voted today to approve a $1.219 billion maximum property tax levy for the 2027 county budget. This is an increase of 8.15%, or $91.8 million from last year.
The maximum levy establishes the most the county may collect through property taxes for the 2027 budget. The county board may approve a lower levy when it adopts the final budget in December, but it cannot exceed the maximum adopted in September.
Last week, Hennepin County Administrator Jodi Wentland presented a $2.993 billion proposed budget for 2027 focused on serving residents, supporting staff and responsibly stewarding public resources at a time when financial pressures and community needs are both on the rise.
The operating portion of this budget totals $2.72 billion, a decrease of 2.4%, or more than $66 million from the 2026 adjusted budget. The capital portion of the budget is more than $100 million less than 2026, with $273.4 million in the proposed 2027 budget.
Property taxes fund approximately 37% of the overall county budget. Federal and state funding, fees for services and other revenue sources fund the remainder.
The proposed levy reflects increased employee health care costs, inflation and nearly $28 million in projected state and federal cost shifts. The 2027 budget also responds to these financial pressures while maintaining mandated and core services for residents.
“We have a responsibility to sustain mandated, essential services while being mindful of the tax burden on residents,” said Commissioner Debbie Goettel, who chairs the committee overseeing the budget process. “This proposal reflects disciplined planning, intentional staffing decisions, and careful stewardship of public resources as the county adjusts to absorb substantial state and federal cost shifts.”
The proposed budget addresses federal and state costs shifts as well as inflation and the increasing costs of operational necessities, while continuing to invest in communities, infrastructure and employees. The proposal also preserves funding for key community priorities, such as library hours, necessary operational improvements and jail staffing levels at the Adult Detention Center.
"All year, this board set clear direction to protect democracy, public services, and our most vulnerable neighbors, and this budget meets that direction," said County Board Chair Dr. Irene Fernando. "It also responds to recent community feedback by preserving library hours, in addition to maintaining services and staff, at a time when local governments across Minnesota are cutting services and staff. I'm proud of our workforce and partners, who have delivered incredible results in a time of great need, and we will do so again."
Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy
Acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the board approved a $22.2 million maximum property tax levy. County Administration proposed a 2027 budget of $39.3 million for the authority.
The proposed budget supports:
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Investments and innovation in affordable housing for people with the lowest incomes.
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Supportive housing tailored and reserved for households experiencing homelessness.
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Inclusive access to best-in-the-nation resources to develop entrepreneurs, support business creation and help businesses grow and thrive.
Regional Railroad Authority levy
Acting as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, the board approved a $34 million maximum property tax levy. County Administration proposed a 2027 budget of $35.6 million for the authority.
The proposed budget supports:
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Capital projects which include Midtown Corridor bridges and the METRO Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit
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Debt service, corridor maintenance and greening, asset management and replacement, and administrative activities
Additional information
Budget hearings will take place before a final budget and levy is adopted in December. View the schedule of budget hearings at hennepin.us/budgets.
Homeowners may qualify for a homestead market value exclusion. Learn more and apply online at homestead.hennepin.us.
