The Sherburne County Board approved the 2016 preliminary levy Tuesday in the amount of $42,978,238.
That represents a 1.5% increase over the 2015 levy of $42,323,421, which was increased 1.76 % from the year before. County Administrator Steve Taylor said the increase was kept at a minimum despite costs that go up every year, like wages, health insurance and inflationary increases.
There are also proposed increases to the Great River Regional Library, part-time salaries to help with the 2016 elections, refinancing costs and funds for Health & Human Services to lease space in St. Cloud.
Taylor said on the positive side, the county’s tax capacity increased 4.5%. “The county added approximately $63 million in new construction for taxes payable in 2016,” he said.
“Home values have increased and we see continued growth in building permits.”
Reorganizations of staff in different departments, like public works and community corrections, have resulted in about $160,000 in savings.
“The recorders and zoning office have seen an increase in title documents and permits, so we expect an increase in revenues associated with those fees,” said Taylor. “We’re also projecting increased investment revenue in 2016. From a cost-containment standpoint, department heads have been very conscious of budgets and controlling costs.”
Despite the levy increase, the county tax rate would fall from 51.979 to 50.333. However, some residential properties will see an increase because the average home value increased. County staff estimates the tax impact on an average home would be about $3 per month or $35 a year.
Taylor said the average commercial property will see a slight decrease in valuation, resulting in a small property tax reduction.
The board also approved the 2016 Regional Rail Authority Levy in the amount of $1,622,833, a slight decrease from the 2015 levy of $1,649,264.
“This is primarily due to lower debt service payments,” said Taylor.
The county board can reduce the levy but not increase it. The final levy is due by De. 15.
Road Projects
The board awarded the contract for tree-clearing and grubbing on County Roads 4, 6, 8, 29, 66 and 72 to Reliable Tree Service at $124,150. Other bidders were RL Larson Excavating at $136,390 and Helmin Construction at $188,550.
The board also approved a request by public works to acquire parcels on a portion of Co. Rd. 19 by eminent domain. Highway Engineer Rhonda Lewis said it probably won’t be necessary, but it will guarantee the county can keep its schedule to do improvements on that roadway.
Other Business
In other action the board:
•Approved a tax abatement of $751.50 for William Bergmann because of a fire that partially damaged his house and garage on 233rd Ave in Big Lake in February;
•Approved a mutual aid agreement between the county and the cities of Big Lake, Becker, Elk River and any other law enforcement agencies to allow coordinated enforcement efforts on major events;
•Approved a proposal to do a court security assessment by the National Sheriffs’ Association at a cost not to exceed $15,000;
• Set a public hearing for Oct. 20 to consider revisions to the county’s fee schedule.
