Minnesota county says long-term services and supports costs are exploding

County leaders say rising long-term care costs could become a major driver of future property tax levy increases.

Sherburne County commissioners are in the final stages of the 2027 budget, and Commissioner Andrew Hulse said the county is on pace to face a major financial problem tied to long-term services and supports. Those services include nursing homes, assisted living and other care facilities.

“We’ve got a significant issue moving forward across the state with Long Term Support Services,” Andrew Hulse said.

Counties were previously asked by the state to administer and oversee the programs, but the state is now mandating counties to pay for private staff to provide that care. That cost was previously handled by the state.

“It will probably be the single biggest growth factor of Levy’s going forward if this growth rate continues,” Hulse said.

Sherburne County will ...