Politics & Government

Hennepin County Passes 1 Percent Levy Increase

The Hennepin County Board approved a maximum property tax levy of $676.1 million for 2012.

The Hennepin County Board approved on Tuesday, Sept. 13 a maximum property tax levy of $676.1 million, which is 1 percent higher than the 2011 levy.

The board is required by state law to adopt a maximum levy in September. The board may approve a levy that is lower than the approved maximum, but they cannot set it higher than the maximum adopted today.

County Administrator Richard Johnson will present the proposed 2012 Hennepin County budget to the board on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The board will then launch a series of budget hearings beginning in October to discuss the budget and gather public input. The meetings can be viewed live on Metro Cable Network/Channel 6 or online at www.hennepin.us. Look under “County Board” and “Hennepin County Board meetings.”

Find out what's happening in Lake Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In November, property owners will get a notice that shows the impact of the maximum levy on their property; the notice includes the impact of taxes proposed by other local units of government, such as cities and school districts.

The board will conduct an official public meeting to gather public comment about the proposed budget and levies on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. in the board room on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis.

The board, acting as the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA), set a maximum HCHRA levy at $5.6 million, no increase from 2011. The proposed HCHRA budget will be discussed Tuesday, Nov. 1, immediately following the County Board meeting, which starts at 1:30 p.m., and also at the budget meeting Nov. 29.

Find out what's happening in Lake Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The board, acting as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), set the maximum levy for the railroad authority at $18 million, no increase over 2011. The proposed HCRRA levy and budget will be discussed Tuesday, Nov. 8, immediately following the County Board meeting, which starts at 1:30 p.m., and also at the budget meeting Nov. 29.

The board also set public hearings for Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 9 a.m. for the county’s 2012-2016 capital improvements budget and at 9:30 a.m. for proposed changes to fees charged for county services.

The final Hennepin County, HCRRA and HCHRA budgets and tax levies will be adopted at the board’s Tuesday, Dec. 13, meeting, which begins at 1:30 p.m.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Lake Minnetonka