Counties authorization to require watershed districts to use sources other than watershed district tax levy to complete projects

SF 3639 would allow counties in Minnesota to require watershed districts to find funding sources other than local property tax levies for their projects. The bill amends statutes to let counties prohibit watershed districts from using tax levies authorized under current law (Section 103D.915), directing them instead to identify alternative funding. If multiple counties are in a watershed district, one county’s prohibition would apply to all counties in that district. Counties could also review project funding plans and suggest cost-saving changes. This bill, introduced February 2026, directly affects watershed districts and county governments by shifting funding authority.