County tax meeting reveals 2 percent levy hike

The Carlton County Truth in Taxation Tuesday drew only five residents and only one person spoke as he walked out of the hearing early.

“I guess I came to the wrong meeting to voice my concerns. Someone sooner or later will have to tell me why my taxes went up 80 percent for this coming year,” the unidentified man said. Assessor Kyle Holmes followed him to address his concerns.

Overall the property tax levy will increase 2 percent for 2021 if the county board approves the proposed budget.

Budget considerations and challenges include the following:

• There is no general wage increase.

• New positions are minimal.

• Health insurance increases of 8.89 percent.

• Insurances saw an increase of 28.55 percent.

• Levy for debt repayments decreased $293,000.

• Litigation with some utility companies on tax payments remain in limbo.

The county board will vote on the final budget and levy increase at it Dec. 21 meeting.