County Budget

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Meeker County welcomes input from residents. Please direct any comments or suggestions on the County Budget Process to County Administrator Andrew Letson.

Meeker County is committed to transparency in its budgeting and spending processes.  

 2026 Preliminary Levy 

On Sept. 16., the County Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary 2026 levy of $19,010,390. This represents a 9.16% increase from the 2025 certified levy. 

 The 2026 Truth-In-Taxation public meeting was held on Dec. 2, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the County Boardroom.  

Click HERE to see current and past preliminary and adopted budgets.

 Strategic Priorities

The budget allows Meeker County to continue to focus on our countywide strategic priorities: 

  1. Financial Stewardship 
  2. Assets and Amenities 
  3. Quality Economic Growth 
  4. Organizational Excellence 

 Preparing the County Budget

Preparing the County budget is an 8-month process. For Meeker County, the budget process begins in May. Throughout the summer months, department directors prepare their budgets and work with the Budget Committee on fine-tuning their proposals. By mid-to-late August a budget is presented to the Board of Commissioners, and discussion about the budget occurs over the next few Commissioner Meetings. By the end of September, the Board approves a preliminary budget and levy. 

After the preliminary budget is approved, the budget may decrease, but it cannot go up. Before final adoption of the budget in December, any needed adjustments are made, and a Truth-in-Taxation meeting is held to get public input. The Board adopts a final budget and tax levy in December. 

 Budget Process Timeline

  1. May: Department Heads submit requests for personnel adjustments. 
  2. June: Committees review personnel adjustment and Department Heads submit budget requests. 
  3. July: Budget Committee reviews budget proposals and develops proposed budget. 
  4. August: Administrator formulates County budget recommendations and presents preliminary budget and levy to the Board. 
  5. September: Board of Commissioners reviews Administrator's recommendations and adopts preliminary budget. 
  6. October through December: Receive input and feedback from the public on budget proposal. 
  7. December: Truth-in-Taxation public hearing and Board adopts final budget and tax levy, and the Finance Director and County Auditor certifies the levy. 

Capital Improvement Plan

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a 3-year plan that identifies major county-wide capital projects, such as upgrades to county facilities, park and trail improvements, road maintenance, and equipment purchases.  

The CIP plan is approved by the County Board of Commissioners.