Red Hawk Project for Affordable Homes

The 10 Red Hawk Drive homes was a project to find out if more modest size houses at a cost of about $300,000 would appeal to buyers.  I helped initiate this project and supported it through all the stages; all the way to completion.  All 10 houses sold.  Here is a video to learn more about the project:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLO2HtTuamI

Olmsted County has created a model that can be duplicated.  I will continue to develop and support new ways and new models to increase the number of modest homes at affordable costs.

 2026 Levy and Budget

Here is information about the 2026 Budget and the Levy.  It was prepared by the Chief Financial Officer and was presented at the December 4, 2025 meeting. https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/2026%20TNT%20Presentation%20FINAL-2.pdf

At the December 16 Board Meeting the 2026 levy was set at 6.8% increase over 2025 ($141,713,639).  The total Budget includes Property taxes of $141,713,639 plus HRA property tax of $5,568,544, and $265,363,642 from other revenue such as federal, state, and local sources, charges for services, and interest income.

Here is the condensed version of the 2026 Budget:  https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADBlNDZhMmJlLThhZjYtNDhmMi05ZDRlLWIwOGY3Y2YwY2ZlMgAQAGdQ1B%2FP8khNlWBXHmd4Zj4%3D?actSwt=true

 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning tool that identifies possible improvements that may be approved.  The Board uses the CIP to guide the decision making that is necessary to keep the county working in good order.  Enacting any part of the CIP depends on county finances, and need evaluation.  The Board often sets asides or delays projects due to finances or changing needs.  The plan provides a snapshot of what the CIP is as of the close of 2025.  Here is the CIP information:  https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADBlNDZhMmJlLThhZjYtNDhmMi05ZDRlLWIwOGY3Y2YwY2ZlMgAQAFMKep66oUQUrkYy2yWVdxk%3D?actSwt=true

 Thank You

Thank you for your support in 2025.  I look forward to working on the many challenges facing Olmsted County in 2026.  May 2026 be a year of good health and happiness.

Gregg Wright