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Budget in Brief - 2003
Washington County Budget in Brief - 2003 (PDF)
2003 Budget Overview
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has developed a 2003 budget that maintains current levels of service and program delivery for a growing population while balancing the Board's desire to keep property taxes as low as possible. This overview will provide citizens with a basic understanding of the variables that were considered in developing this year's County budget.
Washington County has the Second Lowest Tax Rate in the State
According to statistics received from the Metropolitan Inter-County Association, Washington County ranks 86th out of 87 counties for the lowest tax rate, which means that Washington County has the second lowest tax rate in the state. For the past several years, Washington County has held tax increases to a minimum while continuing to provide necessary services for its rapidly growing population. The number of households in Washington County rose by 3 percent in 2001 - double the rate of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Washington County remained the third fastest growing county in the metropolitan area with a current population of approximately 206,000. This growth has led to an increase in taxable market value of 14.2 percent for 2003 - 3.8 percent due to new construction and 10.4 percent due to inflation or other factors.
The Budget and the Tax Levy: A Closer Look
The County budget includes all expenditures and revenue sources. The primary source of funding is from local property taxes. Another large source of the County's revenue is derived from other levels of government (e.g., state and federal grants, etc.).
Current Budget - $150,029,800
Budget Comparisons - Past Three Years
The 2003 budget is $150 million - a 3.5 percent increase over the previous year's budget. The proposed net property tax levy is $59.5 million, a 6.7 percent increase over the previous year. In 2003, the tax rate will decrease slightly from 34.4 percent to 33.2 percent.
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The 2003 budget comprises total expenditures of $150,029,800, which are funded as follows:
- 39.7 percent from the net property tax levy ($59.5 million)
- 5.9 percent from Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) ($8.8 million)
- 32.3 percent from intergovernmental funds - federal, state (excluding HACA but including $465,400 in Family Preservation Aid and $1.2 million in Community Criminal Justice Aid), and local funds
- 6.5 percent from interest, rents, and miscellaneous sources,
- 10.1 percent from licenses, permits, fees, fines and forfeitures,
- 4.2 percent from other taxes, and
- 1.3 percent from planned use of fund balance.
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Significant impacts on the 2003 budget included:
- Continued population growth and an increase in the number of parcels,
- Inflation,
- Reduced earnings from County investments due to lower interest rates,
- Rent increases to fund building maintenance,
- Wage and benefit settlements,
- Increases in health insurance for employees and retirees,
- Increases in workers compensation and property and casualty insurance rates,
- The opening of a new and larger library facility in Woodbury,
- Replacement of the County's mainframe computer,
- Continued growth in the volume of mortgages and deed documents recorded in the County,
- A state-mandated six percent increase in the court's budget, and
- A balloon debt service payment.
"Where Does Each Dollar Go?"
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How Does The County Budget and Tax Levy Impact Property Owners?
During the past five years, the County portion of a typical property's tax has increased by $10. This number, which was calculated using a median-priced home of $190,000, demonstrates the actual impact on property taxes. During that same time period, this home's value would have increased by slightly more than $50,000.
Market Value / Tax Trends
County Portion Tax Comparisons on a $150,000 Homestead
County Portion of Tax - 5-year Comparison
County Portion of Your Tax Bill - Comparisons
Staffing Levels Remain Low
Washington County continues to have one of the lowest rates of employees per capita in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In 2003, the County will increase staff levels by one percent to respond to increased demand for service. Nearly 60 percent of the 13.65 new positions include some funding through state/federal grants or fee revenue. The County cost of these positions is approximately $243,500, or less than one percent of the County's personnel costs. Throughout the coming year, Washington County will continue to make investments in technology and explore alternatives to enhance and streamline the delivery of services.
County Employees - Full-time Equivalents
Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) - Comparison
Washington County Meets the Budget Challenge
Development of a budget is never an easy task, particularly in today's challenging economic conditions. However, Washington County's 2003 budget meets the County Board's direction to maintain service delivery to a growing population, provide adequate resources to support the County's infrastructure, and minimize the financial impact on taxpayers.
Did You Know?
When You Need to Know More...
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