Residents of Rice County will have the chance to voice their opinions on the proposed 2025 county levy and budget at a public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. December 12 at the Government Services Building in Faribault. The details of the upcoming event were shared following the Board of Commissioners' recent approval of a nearly $39.7 million proposed levy for 2025. This figure marks an increase of 9.96% over the previous year's total, according to Rice County's official website.
The commissioners' decision, made this past Tuesday, sets a preliminary cap on the levy; while it may be lowered, state law prohibits any additional increases. Understandably, taxpayers are keen to unequivocally assess the impact of this proposed hike on their finances. The Housing & Redevelopment Authority, however, will not be raising its levy next year, offering some solace to concerned property owners.
According to county CFO Paula O’Connell, the marked increase in the levy is attributed primarily to the maintenance needs of the new Public Safety Center, as well as a significant 19% rise in property insurance costs. These expenses broadly encompass coverage for vehicles, buildings, and equipment, and factor in declining state and federal revenues intended to support mandatory county services to residents.
The proposed $105 million budget for the county for next year includes reserves amounting to $8.5 million. However, county officials clarify much of that reserve is earmarked for specific objectives, including environmental services projects and critical road constructions such as the installation of a roundabout at Hwy. 19 and County Road 2 and the improvement of several miles of key county roads. Residents who cannot personally attend the public hearing can elect to remotely participate, ensuring wide access to the governmental process.
Issues that remain undefined include personnel costs and health insurance premiums, which depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the county and its unions. Final decisions will be made swiftly as the board plans to vote on the levies and the detailed budget at its meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 17. This impending vote encapsulates the financial blueprint that will guide Rice County through the unfolding narrative of 2025, leaning into a future full of fiscal responsibility and ambitious public projects.
