County board actions: maximum 2019 tax levies, tree canopy improvement grants

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county board actions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

The board approves maximum tax levies for 2019, designates funding for tree canopy improvement grants and more.

Board approves maximum tax levies for 2019

The board voted Tuesday to approve an $830 million maximum property tax levy. 

State law requires the board to adopt a maximum property tax levy in September. The 2019 maximum property tax levy represents a 5.25 percent increase from 2018.

Last week, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough presented a $2.4 billion proposed budget. The operating portion of this budget totals $1.9 billion dollars, a decrease of $61.8 million from the adjusted 2018 budget. The capital portion totals $475 million, an increase of $38 million or 8.7 percent over the adjusted 2018 amount.

Next steps

The property tax levy that commissioners ultimately approve in December may be lower than the approved maximum, but it cannot exceed the maximum levy adopted at Tuesday’s meeting. In November, property owners will receive a notice that shows the impact of the county’s maximum levy on their properties, as well as the impact of those taxes proposed by other local units of government, such as cities and school districts.

Board approves maximum rail authority levy

Acting as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, the board approved the authority's proposed maximum property tax levy of $36 million and a proposed budget of $44.6 million for 2019. 

The proposed budget supports advancement of the following priority projects:

  • Southwest Light Rail Transit
  • Bottineau Light Rail Transit
  • Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit

The budget also supports debt service, maintenance of the 55 miles of corridor, staff support for transitways and oversight of infrastructure assets and operational needs.   

The proposed maximum levy will be discussed at the county's Truth-in-Taxation hearing, Tuesday, November 27, at 6 p.m. The board will adopt the levy Tuesday, December 11. 

Read the related board action.

Board approves maximum housing and redevelopment levy

The board, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, approved an $10.5 million maximum 2019 property tax levy and a $12.4 million proposed budget for the authority.

Along with operations and administration, the budget supports affordable housing, including the Affordable Housing Incentive Fund, and community and economic development, including the Transit Oriented Development program.

The proposed maximum levy will be discussed at the county's Truth-in-Taxation hearing, Tuesday, November 27, at 6 p.m. The board will adopt the levy Tuesday, December 11. 

County to award tree canopy improvement grants

The board designated $500,000 for tree canopy improvement grants available to cities, affordable housing providers and non-profit organizations. Grant funding will support tree inventory, management, preservation and replacement, along with education and outreach. The county will prioritize projects in areas with higher economic, environmental and health disparities.

View this board action.

Learn more about trees and forestry in Hennepin County.

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Health plan partnerships expand support for people in mental and chemical health crisis

The board accepted $50,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota to expand and improve services to help people safely withdraw from substances and support their work towards recovery. UCare and Hennepin Healthcare have also joined in this effort, and the county is seeking partnerships with other health plans. Providing additional supports at 1800 Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis can reduce demand on emergency departments and other high-cost crisis services, reducing overall costs per patient. 

Read more about this action.

DNR to provide county probationers with on-the-job training

The board approved an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to provide employment and training for residents on probation. As part of the county's Productive Day program, participants will work on tasks that support natural resources management at Afton State Park. 

Read more about this action.

Board recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The board declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an observance that raises awareness of the impact this issue has on victims, survivors, families and the community. The Hennepin County Domestic Abuse Service Center serves a large and diverse population and reported 10,200 contacts with victims in 2017.

Read more about this action.

Budget hearing calendar

See a schedule of public hearings for adoption of the county's 2019 budget and levy

Current and archival board meetings, agendas and minutes are available at hennepin.us/boardmeetings.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.