Dakota County weighs 16-21% property tax hike, staff cuts
Dakota County is weighing a 16% to 21% property tax levy increase and planned staff cuts to close a budget shortfall, county officials announced.[1]
Officials are considering three levy options: 21% (about $167 more per home per year), 19% (about $145), and 16% (about $123).[1] All of the proposed tax scenarios still require cuts to libraries, parks, public health, crisis workers, youth homelessness outreach and corrections staff, and labor union AFSCME says employee morale is low as layoffs are discussed.[1]
County reserves have dropped from $130 million in 2014 to a projected $1.2 million in 2026 after officials repeatedly tapped fund balances to cover rising costs. Officials also point to federal changes to SNAP and Medicaid that shifted about $10 million in new annual costs onto Dakota County, widening the budget gap.
The county board plans public information sessions in Eagan, Apple Valley and Hastings before a final levy decision expected in September.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Dakota County is weighing three levy options: 21% (+$167 per home per year), 19% (+$145), and 16% (+$123).
- County reserves have fallen from $130 million in 2014 to a projected $1.2 million in 2026 after years of using fund balance to cover higher costs.
- Officials say federal SNAP and Medicaid changes shifted roughly $10 million in extra annual costs onto the county, and all tax options still include cuts to libraries, parks, public health, crisis workers, youth homeless outreach and corrections staff.
- AFSCME, representing county workers, says employee morale is low as layoffs and service reductions are discussed.
- The board plans public information sessions in Eagan, Apple Valley and Hastings ahead of a final decision expected in September.
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