Washington County residents will have an opportunity this week to meet with their elected commissioners to discuss taxes and spending proposed for 2012.
County puts 2012 budget on display
The budget includes no tax levy increase, though some property owners may see increases due to state changes in homestead law.
By KEVIN GILES, Star Tribune
The Truth in Taxation hearing Thursday comes just months after the Legislature repealed $540 million in tax credits to Minnesota homeowners.
Although 2012 would be the second consecutive year that Washington County will have no tax levy increase, many property owners will have to pay more because of a new state law governing homesteaded property. Even with the county's proposed 0.3 percent reduction in the levy, the new homestead market value exclusion law could mean a net tax increase of $47 on a typical $213,500 house in Washington County.
Despite that, far fewer phone calls came to the county's tax office in the past few weeks than expected, said Director Kevin Corbid.
Ongoing publicity over the change in homestead credits might have diminished public concern, he said.
The preliminary notices mailed to property owners included proposed city and school district assessments. Individual taxes can vary depending on market and home values, voter-approved levies, changes in tax rates, obligations of tax-increment financing districts, special assessments, and shifting of tax burdens.
Numbers listed in the notices aren't final until taxing jurisdictions set their final budgets. The County Board will do that after Thursday's open house.
Washington County's proposed $86.5 million budget for next year includes a 4.1 percent reduction in operating expenses. Board Chairman Gary Kriesel said the county responded to taxpayer concerns by cutting spending except for "core services," such as roads and law enforcement.
Thursday's open house will be held at 6 p.m. in the fifth-floor boardroom at the county government center in Stillwater, 14949 62nd St. N.
More information about the 2012 budget, including by individual department, is available on the Washington County website at www.startribune.com/a678.
Kevin Giles • 651-925-5037 • Twitter: @stribgiles