Dakota County homeowners are staring at a potentially eye-watering 2027 county tax increase, with internal scenarios ranging from 14% to 29% and the higher end adding about $255 to the bill for a median-priced home. County officials say the alternative could be sharp cuts to libraries, parks, social services and nearly 100 jobs. The county is putting the numbers in front of residents Thursday, when the budget debate moves from spreadsheets to a public room.
The 29% figure is an early scenario, not an adopted rate. KSTP reported that County Manager Heidi Walsch expects the final increase to land somewhere between 14% and 24%, with estimated increases of $111 for a median-priced home under the lower scenario and about $145 under an 18% to 19% option. The County Board is expected to set a maximum levy in September before voting on the full budget in December.
Residents can ask questions and weigh in at Dakota County’s Budget and Property Tax Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W. in West St. Paul, according to Dakota County. The event is aimed at explaining the county’s finances and collecting feedback as officials work toward the 2027 budget.
Why Dakota County Says Taxes May Need To Jump
County officials say reserves that once helped keep tax rates down have been depleted by COVID-era spending, rising operating costs and state and federal mandates that are not fully funded. Walsch told KSTP that holding the levy too low could mean major reductions to library and park services, cuts to social programs and slightly fewer than 100 county positions…