The first proposal for Washington County's 2014 budget, which includes a small property tax levy increase, goes to the County Board on Tuesday.
Commissioners voted for no levy increase in 2011 and 2013 and a decrease in 2012. The 2014 proposal shows an increase of 0.66 percent, below the state-imposed levy limit of 1.2 percent.
The county has seen an upswing in health care and food support cases at its Community Services division because of more residents needing services. Also proposed is $620,000 in bonding for the county's voter-approved Land and Water Legacy program, which allows up to $20 million to be spent over several years to preserve open spaces and water quality.
The county also needs more money for highway "pavement preservation."
The County Board meets at 9 a.m. at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater. Commissioners will vote on a preliminary levy in September and set their final budget in December.
Kevin Giles
@stribgiles
