The Polk County “Truth in Taxation” hearing was held on Tuesday night inside the Polk County Government Center. The hearing was an opportunity for concerned citizens to share their thoughts and have questions about the 2022 budget and tax levy answered.
Polk County Administrator Chuck Whiting led a presentation on the 2022 proposed budget and how it compares to previous years. Whiting discussed how the night went. “We went through what was in the budget, and we have the tax levy increase down to a 3.5% increase,” said Whiting. “The budget is about $60 million, $74 million if you include all of our solid waste operations which are not on the levy. We had four residents come in and sit through the presentation, and we believe we can follow up with one gentleman and help him with his questions.”
The Net Levy for 2022 will be set at $25,875,000. The increase comes for various reasons, such as the County Program Aid being less this year and different negotiations that took place with union groups. The 2022 budget expenditure breakdown is as follows –
- 31% for Social Services
- 22% Road & Bridge
- 18% General Fund
- 10% Public Safety
- 9% Tri-County Community Corrections
- 6% Public Health
- 3% Debt
- 1% Planning and Zoning
Notable budget items for the county in 2022 include Collective Bargaining Agreements with Union Groups, new employee health insurance premiums, and several position changes or additions in administration.
The budget will be up for approval by the Polk County Board of Commissioners at their next meeting. Whiting discussed what the next steps in the process are. “What was presented today will be approved at the next meeting by the Board of Commissioners,” said Whiting. “That includes the budget, tax levy, and non-union compensation. So that will be on the agenda at the next meeting, which will end up being our last meeting of the year.”
Whiting said there isn’t one answer for how people will be affected by the tax levy. “It all depends on the type of property and portion of the value,” said Whiting. “There is no one answer I can give to that. Folks can know that the notice they received for this meeting was setting the levy at 4.6%, and we’ve got it down to 3.5% now, so it will be lower than the notice that was sent out.”
If you have any questions, you can contact the Polk County Government Center at 218-281-5408.
