County adopts 12.4 levy increase

By MaryHelen Swanson
With two county commissioners strongly opposed to a double-digit levy increase for 2003, the remaining three adopted a preliminary levy and budget at a 12.4 percent increase.
The commissioners also agreed to bond for three road projects, CR37, CR23 and CR7 and for the new government service building proposed for construction in North Branch.
The 3-2 vote, commissioners Mike Robinson, Bob Gustafson and Bob Vande Kamp for and commissioners Ben Montzka and Tom Delaney against, came after a lengthy discussion Sept. 4 of the ramifications of budget increases in the coming year.
It has been understood in the past several weeks, that even the 12.4 percent levy increase will not allow the county to do all the projects and provide all the equipment and staff that has been requested.
While commissioner Gustafson reminded the board that there is still a lot of work to do before the final adoption of the levy and budget late in December, commissioner Delaney reminded them that past history shows the board seldom reduces the budget or levy even though it can do so.
Thoreen stressed that the county is ìbetween a rock and a hard placeî as no one knows the outcome of the legislative action in St. Paul next year, especially as the state faces a $2 billion deficit.
Yet, he reminded the commissioners that if they donít take the action to increase the levy for road improvements, the needs wonít go away, constructions costs will increase and public safety issues will continue to exist.
Likewise, he said, if action is delayed on the North Branch service center, construction costs will increase and the county will continue to deal with staff housing problems.
Implications of the increase have not yet been determined for individual homeowners. The county will hold public meetings on the levy and budget later this fall. The Post Review will attempt to provide the impact of the tax increase as soon as it has been calculated.
This yearís (2002) increase was around 20 percent.
In other business, the county board:
ï Held a public hearing on the countyís Housing and Redevelopment Authority/Economic Development Authorityís (HRA/EDA) redevelopment plan for a business park project. Objectives of the plan are to promote and seek orderly development of a business park in Wyoming and to issue $1.3 million in revenue bonds to assist with costs of land acquisition and site preparation for potential new businesses. HRA/EDA Director Chris Eng also updated the board on land acquisitions around Rush City and North Branch for more business/industrial uses. He also said the HRA/EDA is looking for additional land in the southern end of the county. He said several major businesses are considering moving into the county, but he would not disclose any more information.
ï Learned from administrator Thoreen that he would be taping the portion of the meeting pertaining to planning and zoning at the recommendation of Minnesota County Insurance Trust. MCIT does not recommend taping the entire meeting, however.
ï Approved the rezoning request of Tim McDonald/C. & J. Properties from Agricultural to Rural Residential II (RRII) for property in Rushseba Township. The 29 acres is adjacent to Rush City north of Rush Creek. Commissioner Robinson abstained because he has relatives in the area. A public hearing will be held before the official zoning change is made.
ï Adopted a resolution commemorating the victims and events of September 11, 2001.

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