The Ramsey County Board and county officials will hold a public hearing and open house on Monday on the proposed 2014 budget and property tax levy, which the board must approve next month.

Although the proposed $603.2 million budget is about $14.5 million more than this year's, the County Board has committed to keeping the property tax levy at the same level, or $276.5 million.

The county can spend more without raising taxes because it will be getting more next year in state and federal funding, along with department service fees. Officials say that higher spending is partly the result of pent-up demand after years of flat or reduced funding.

The budget includes funding for a new computer-aided dispatch system, a sheriff's officer to process crime scenes and expansion of child protection services.

The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium and cafeteria at Central High School, 275 N. Lexington Pkwy., St. Paul. Appraisers won't be available for appeals.

KEVIN DUCHSCHERE

@KDuchschere