The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 11 certified a proposed net tax levy of $81.1 million, a 6.9 percent increase over 2007. The county expects the tax rate to remain among the lowest in the state. The board made the move in a special meeting following a budget open house. While the board could opt to tax less, the certified levy is the maximum amount the county could tax in 2008. Under the proposed levy, an owner of a $304,000 home would pay, on average, $788 in county taxes next year, which is about $7 more than in 2007. Deputy County Administrator Molly O’Rourke said the budget aims to provide core services and programs at a level necessary to meet critical needs. Key variables for the 2008 budget include adjusting to a declining level of state aid while responding to increasing state mandates. Other variables include inflation and population growth, as well as the first year of operating two new county service centers in Forest Lake and Cottage Grove and a new, larger library in Forest Lake. The annual Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled Dec. 6 and the final levy and 2008 budget is expected to be adopted on Dec. 11.

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