The Dakota County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 19 approved the county's 2024 budget and property tax levy.
New county spending will be focused on increased operating costs, the growing demand for social service programs and on services such as election administration and information technology.
The county's operating budget will be $336 million. The budget funds more than 200 programs, including crisis services for children and adults, public safety, road and bridge construction and maintenance, environmental protection, election administration, parks and greenways, and library services.
Total county spending, including operations and capital improvements such as building and road construction, will total $514 million.
The property tax levy will increase 3.5 percent to about $153 million. Dakota County's tax rate will remain the lowest among metro counties.
“This budget balances the needs of our residents with the responsibility we have to our taxpayers," Dakota County Board Chair Liz Workman said. “We're helping those in need and providing important and valued services that continue to make Dakota County a premier place to live and work."
A median-valued home of $372,000 in Dakota County will pay $10 more in county tax next year — an increase of 1.6 percent.
Many county programs are mandated by state and federal government. Only a small portion of property taxes funds county government. Cities, schools and other taxing districts also levy property taxes.
For more information, visit the 2024 Budget page.