County intends to set property tax levy Dec. 11

The Crow Wing County Board intends to set its property tax levy Dec. 11 for taxes payable in 2002.

Roy Luukkonen, county auditor, said residents will receive their proposed tax statements in December and an actual tax statement in March. Because of a change in state law, the county is not required to hold a truth-in-taxation public hearing.

Peter Herlofsky Jr., county administrator, has been working with department heads as he prepared his recommendation.

The 2001 budget estimated $17.82 million in expenditures. Herlofsky proposes a 2002 budget with an estimated $18.68 million in expenditures and $18.03 million in revenues -- about a $650,000 shortfall. One part of the increase is the county's decision to establish a county park director.

Herlofsky also recommends in the budget a 3 percent increase in salary for all elected officials, appointed department heads and other non-union personnel.