Dodge County approves 4.5% levy

It was the last meeting of the year for the Dodge County Commissioners  last Thursday which meant one very important action item was on the agenda.
Voting on a final levy amount.
Before the levy amount could be voted on Dodge County along with all other local government entities are required to host a Truth In Taxation Meeting.
The purpose of these meetings are for anyone with concerns about the levy or questions about how their
tax amount is determined to have a chance to talk about it before a final vote is taken.
It also gives a chance for the local government a chance to explain to tax payers how they came up with the proposed levy amount.
“Tonight’s the opportunity for us to explain the tax levy,” said Jim Elmquist, Dodge County Administer.
During the meeting a 4.5 percent levy increase was voted on and with a vote of 5-0 the final levy was approved.
The final levy amount approved by the board came to a total of $14,187,520, which is slightly less than the
preliminary levy agreed on.
Originally the budget would create a 5 percent levy but after some changes they were able to save tax payers about $63,873.
Some of the biggest changes from 2018 to 2019 include things like a 10.6% increase to Human Services. Other areas with high increases in 2019 include personnel costs and capital expenses.
It was pointed out by Elmquist and members of the board that much of the increase in that area comes due to regulations by the state and things like increased mental health services, civil commitments,  out of home placements and many other things.

Compared to 2018’s net levy of $13,573,921 tax payers will see a total levy increase of $613,599.
The meeting last week was also the last meeting for Rodney Peterson as the chairman of the board.
Every year the board switches off for who is the chairperson and next year will be John Allen’s turn as the chair.
“Although it’s enjoyable I look forward to passing the gavel off to John Allen,” Peterson said during his speech to the board.