Dakota County holds steady on tax levy

Updated: September 9, 2009 - 10:54 PM

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The Dakota County Board voted this week to set the maximum 2010 property tax levy at $128,375,073 -- the same amount collected from taxpayers in 2009.

The move sets the county up for a tight year financially, with the board trying to erase a projected $9 million budget gap by cutting spending -- largely by eliminating positions left vacant during a hiring freeze -- and shifting away from the use of state aid.

Setting the 2010 levy at the same amount as the 2009 levy doesn't necessarily mean that property owners' tax bills won't change.

Owners of median-priced homes, which dropped in value by about 8 percent to $221,800, will see their bills go down by $19. Others, who didn't see their home values drop that much, could see their tax bills remain the same or increase somewhat.

Commercial and industrial properties, which on average did not decline in value as much as residential properties, will bear more of the tax burden.

County Administrator Brandt Richardson will present the proposed 2010 budget to the County Board on Nov. 3. And a "truth in taxation" hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the county administration center in Hastings.

KATIE HUMPHREY