Politics & Government

Dakota County Leaders Vote to Keep Tax Levy Flat

Even with a flat levy, taxes will go up for most thanks to $261 million in state-paid tax credits vanishing.

The good news is 's Board of Commissioners voted this  week to hold the line on next year's taxes, declining to increase the $129.4 million property tax levy.

The bad news is the county will no longer see an eliminated $261 million in state-paid, Market Value Homestead Credits, meaning the tax bill for most homeowners in Dakota County will be higher in 2012.

Even though Commissioners voted for no tax levy increase in 2012, the owner of a median-valued home will see, on average, a 3- to 4- percent increase in the county portion of their tax bill next year due to the state law change, according to a press release issued by the county. Matt Smith, the financial services director for Dakota County, told the Pioneer Press property owners with an average home, which the county values at $200,800, will see a $20 increase to their county  taxes payable for 2012, pushing the total portion of county taxes to $589 annually. 

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The board is scheduled to adopt the final budget by Dec. 13, the press release said. The Dakota County Administrator will present a recommended budget to the county board on Nov. 1. County budget workshops are scheduled Nov. 1–4 with the Truth in Taxation hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Dakota County Board Room, in the administration center in Hastings.


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