Goodhue County Proposes 1.9 Percent Budget Increase

Goodhue County is discussing a levy increase of 1.9 percent, which would raise an additional $500,000 for the 2012 budget. That figure had been virtually flat since 2009.In addition to the levy increase, the county has allocated another $460,150 from its fund balance to account for a budget of just over $54 million.The tax rate of 48.31 in the county’s highest since 2006, though the change to Homestead Market Value law in Minnesota also plays a role in the increase.Goodhue County will set its final levy on Dec. 20.”As things get tighter and tighter, it becomes a month-to-month process,” said Goodhue County finance director Carolyn Holmsten, noting discussions have been ongoing since last January.Just one citizen showed up to the public comment period with questions about her taxes. – Courtesy Rochester Post Bulletin