Citizens attending Washington Countyís Truth in Taxation hearing on Dec. 1, indicated they were more concerned about the valuation of their property and its impact on their taxes than about county spending. Deputy Administrator Molly OíRourke presented the proposed 2006 county budget at the meeting, noting that even with the implementation of several service improvements, Washington County still expects to have the second lowest tax rate in the state next year. The county budget calls for expenditures of $150.3 million, a 5.5 percent increase over 2005. The increase funds service improvements in areas such as law enforcement, child welfare, libraries and license centers. OíRourke said increases for 2006 will bring county staffing levels back to what they were in 2003 before state budget cuts forced significant reductions in the county budget.About 11 citizens came to the hearing. Some of those who addressed the county board raised questions about their property valuation and how that affected their taxes.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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