The 2023 budget and levy is now set. On Thursday, December 1, Douglas County Commissioners held the annual Truth In Taxation Meeting which is a meeting the public is encouraged to attend. The dates and times of the county meeting as well as school, city and township budget hearings are printed on the Truth In Taxation Notices sent to property owners in mid-November.
The levy, which is the county’s share of revenue needed to support the budget was set at $32,187,372. The budget, which is what the county plans to spend, was set at $63,595,022.
The decision on these numbers followed an explanation of the budget process from Douglas County Auditor/Treasurer Vicki Doehling and Finance Director Jill Frisell.
Doehling made clear at the start of the meeting the board was only able to discuss the budget and levy, not individual property tax concerns. Assessor Stacy Honkomp made herself available outside the meeting room to talk one on one with individuals who attended.
Doehling outlined the reason property taxes might increase or decrease including change in market value or classification of property, a local government or school district’s levy may change, and aid and revenue from state and federal governments may have changed.
Frisell shared a presentation that outlined the budget process, where the money comes from and where it will be spent.
In Douglas County property taxes pay for 51 percent of the county’s costs. Just about half. The county also receives money from: federal and state grants and reimbursements, the transportation sales tax, and various fees charged for documents and services.
The funds will be spent as follows in 2023:
- Highways and streets 29.8%
- Public safety 20%
- General government 20%
- Health and Human Services 18.6%
- Culture and Recreation 3.8%
- Debt Service 3.8%
- Conservation of Natural Resources 1.7%
- Other 1.5%
The presentation also included information on the many services provided by Douglas County. Those services protect our safety, enhance our quality of life, assist those in need and provide for opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Some specific examples of the county services are below
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to 16,217 calls for service in 2021 and receives approximately 35,550 911 calls every year.
Douglas County Public Works is responsible for 550 miles of roads that need plowing, sanding/salting, pothole patching, grading and shoulder work.
In 2022, the County Recorder issued 425 certified marriage certificates, 5,060 birth and death certificates and recorded 8,042 real estate documents.
Land and Resources issued over 580 permits for new or renovated structures, permitted 197 new septic treatment systems, completed 6,500 watercraft inspections at public accesses and approved more than 60 land subdivisions and 20 residential plots.
From January to October 1, 2022, Social Services served 88 families needing child care assistance, 7,856 receiving health care assistance and 14,045 adults/caregivers and 7,420 children receiving nutrition assistance through a program called SNAP.
One property owner addressed the commissioners regarding why the county needed to have a 5.75 percent increase in the levy. Board chair Tim Kalina explained that the county worked very hard to control the increase and the funds are needed to meet state mandates and pay increased costs for fuel and other supplies.