News correction: Proposed Hennepin County budget

 

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Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969

Proposed budget is a reduction from 2016

This version corrects the location of the Public Works budget hearing. The hearing will be held at the Government Center.

Hennepin County Administrator David Hough proposed to the Board of Commissioners a 2017 budget of $1.9 billion, a decrease of 2.57 percent from last year’s adjusted budget.

The net property tax levy proposed Tuesday is $759.4 million, an increase of $32.6 million, or 4.49 percent, from last year.

Getting ahead of complex cases

Hough told commissioners that while the county is seeing increasing caseloads, and ones of greater complexity, work is ongoing to develop a strategic framework to reduce disparities and provide tools for greater self-reliance for our residents.

“The question that we as an organization need to address is how can we keep up with and sustain the level of service and type of growth we are seeing,” he said. “By creating opportunities and reducing dependency on government services, Hennepin County will have supported individuals in achieving greater self-reliance and promise for the future.”

Looking ahead

In November, property owners will receive a notice that shows the impact of the county maximum levy on their properties, as well as the impact of taxes proposed by other local units of government, such as cities and school districts.

The board is required by state law to adopt a maximum property tax levy in September. Commissioners may later approve a property tax levy that is lower than the approved maximum, but they cannot set it higher than the maximum adopted at the County Board meeting on Tuesday, September 20.

Other votes

On Tuesday, the board also approved a $13.58 million budget for the county's Housing and Redevelopment Authority in 2017, and a maximum property tax levy of $8.45 million.The budget and levy will be discussed at the Truth-In-Taxation Hearing, Tuesday, November 29, at 6 p.m. 

Read more about the Housing and Redevelopment Authority maximum levy.

Last week, the board, acting as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, approved the agency's proposed 2017 maximum property tax levy at $33 million.

Read more about the Railroad Authority's maximum levy.

2016 budget hearing schedule

The board will hold a series of public hearings on the proposed 2017 budget beginning Tuesday, September 20, at 1:30 p.m. Most hearings will be held in the County Board Room of the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. The full schedule of public hearings for adoption of the 2017 budget and levy is as follows:

County Board vote on 2017 maximum tax levy and budget

Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 1:30 p.m.

Public safety

Thursday, September 22, 2016, 1 – 4 p.m.

Library/Operations

Monday, September 26, 2016, 1 – 4 p.m.

Health

Tuesday, September 27, 2016, 9 a.m. – noon

Human Services and Public Health

Thursday, September 29, 2016, 1 – 4 p.m.

Public Works

Friday, September 30, 2016, 9:30 ­– 11:30 a.m. 

Human Services and Public Health

Thursday, October 6, 2016, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. (follow-up, if needed)

Capital Budgeting Task Force and fees

Thursday, October 20, 2016, 9 a.m. – noon

Truth-in-Taxation public meeting

Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 6 p.m. Participants can park for free after 5 p.m. in the Government Center ramp. Enter on 3rd Avenue.

Administrator amendments

Wednesday, December 7, 2016, during Budget and Capital Investment Committee meeting

Commissioner amendments

Monday, December 12, 2016, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

County Board vote on 2017 budget and levy

Tuesday, December 13, 2016, 1:30 p.m. 

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