By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Board OKs increase in 2010 levy of 11.26 percent
Placeholder Image
MONROE - With little discussion Tuesday, the Green County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the 2010 county budget.

The county's property tax levy in the 2010 budget is about $14.4 million, compared to about $12.9 million in 2009, an increase of about $1.45 million, or about 11.26 percent.

The budget includes an increase of 47 cents in the tax rate for 2010, from $4.93 in 2009 to $5.40. The new rate means a person with a house valued at $150,000 will pay $810 in county property taxes, compared to $739.50. The owner of a farm valued at $400,000 will pay $2,160 in 2010, compared to $1,972.

There were a few questions from the 30-member board about some expenses in the budget. For example, the county plans to replace a 10-year-old large commercial-grade lawn mower at a cost of about $25,000. One board member asked if the new lawn mower was necessary. Board member Herb Hanson said the present mower is getting old and a new one is needed.

Finance and Accounting Committee Chairman Harvey Mandel read through the 2010 budget for each county department, including the amount budgeted, expected revenues and the tax levy needed.

All board members were given a chance to ask questions about any portion of the budget.

The county's levy also includes such things as debt service payments, about $1.12 million; library payments, about $399,000; and bridge and culvert repairs, about $54,000. All are exempt from the 3 percent property tax levy increase limit.

The levy also includes $819,000 for Pleasant View Nursing Home funding. Voters on Oct. 6 passed a referendum allowing the county to collect the additional taxes.

In addition to county department heads, who attended the meeting to answer questions about individual budgets, about six members of the public attended, but none asked questions about the budget.

In other business, the board approved a list of people owed a total of about $500 by the county. The money is from overpayment of taxes or fees. The checks were written in 2007 and the county has mailed letters to the people who are waiting for them. None of the approximately 10 people have contacted the county or responded to the letters.