Washington County Approves Lowest Levy Increase at 6.95%

UPDATE: Washington County has just announced a 6.95 percent property tax levy increase for 2026, the lowest in the metro area. The $148.9 million levy was unanimously approved by the Washington County Board during a vote held on Tuesday.

This decision means that homeowners with a median-valued property of $423,700 will see their county property taxes increase by $41— a 4.2 percent rise compared to 2025. County Administrator Kevin Corbid emphasized that this increase is manageable for residents, especially as the median home value has only risen by 1.7 percent in the past year.

The board also allocated $1.2 million for the Land and Water Legacy Program and $660,000 for the Washington County Regional Rail Authority, maintaining funding levels from previous years. The comprehensive budget approved reflects a significant commitment to essential services, with total operating expenses set at $300 million.

Corbid stated, “It provides critical funding for mandated and core services that directly impact residents’ lives and support the community.” This budget also addresses the increasing costs of employee compensation, healthcare, and inflationary pressures on fuel and equipment.

As residents await the implementation of these changes, the county’s five-year capital improvement plan was also authorized with a 4-1 vote. It encompasses $493.8 million aimed at enhancing community infrastructure through 105 projects by 2030. Key proposals include a significant $113.2 million allocation for road and bridge projects, and improvements to public facilities and parks.

The plan includes exciting developments for recreational areas, with more than $17.6 million earmarked for county parks and trails, maintaining 4,800 acres of parkland and 75 miles of trails. Projects slated for funding include upgrades to the Park Grove Library and expansions to various recreational trails throughout the county.

This budget and the accompanying capital plan signify a proactive approach to addressing the needs of citizens amid growing service demands. With the county facing challenges such as waitlists in human services, the aim is to maintain a steady ratio of five employees per 1,000 residents.

The community is keenly watching as these investments roll out, impacting not only infrastructure but also the quality of life for residents. For residents and stakeholders, this is a crucial moment, with upcoming projects promising to reshape the county’s landscape.

As developments unfold, stay tuned for more updates on how these changes will directly affect your community and the ongoing projects in Washington County. The next steps will involve detailed discussions on how these funds will be allocated and the timeline for upcoming initiatives.

Share this urgent news with your community and stay informed on how this levy impacts your property taxes and local services!