Dakota County is amping up its budget to tackle rising service demands, with the Board of Commissioners signing off on a heftier spending plan Tuesday. The 2024 budget gets a cash injection aiming to keep the county's ship afloat amid cost surges and a higher demand for social services. Tack onto that the ever-present need for things like smoother elections and tech upgrades.
It's a $336 million play for the operating budget, a pie that's divvied up among over 200 programs. This includes crisis support for kids and adults, public safety measures, and parks and greenways, according to data from the official county announcement. Total spend, including building and roadwork, will hit around $514 million.
Property taxes will see a 3.5 percent hike to roughly $153 million. Dakota County claims it still has the lowest tax rate compared to its metro neighbors. "This budget balances the needs of our residents with the responsibility we have to our taxpayers," Dakota County Board Chair Liz Workman emphasized, underlining the goal to mix aid to those in need with top-notch services that bolster the county's living standards.
A median-valued homestead at $372,000 will hand over an extra $10 in county tax next year – that's a modest bump of 1.6%. It is important to note that numerous programs in place are not just optional but mandatory, as per the orders of state and federal authorities. Furthermore, property tax bills should not be solely attributed to the county as other entities, including cities, schools, and various tax-levying districts, also receive a portion of the funds.
