Preliminary levy could be double-digit increase after BWCA appraisal

Cook County stands to lose $751,000 following a federal appraisal connected to a payment for federal lands in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As a result,  this year’s preliminary levy could be in the double digits once again.

The county budget and property tax levy will be discussed at a majority of the upcoming county board meetings. The County board meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Cook County Courthouse.

A few dates of interest are:
August 13
Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Sheriff’s Office/Jail budget discussion. 14% of 2019 expenditures

August 20
Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Board Meeting
• PHHS budget discussion. 20% of 2019 expenditures

August 27
Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Highway Department budget discussion. 39% of 2019 expenditures

August 26 - September 20
• Period for Town Hall Meetings, schedule to be announced in August

September 30
• Deadline to certify proposed levies and set date for Truth-In-Taxation (TNT) Public Hearing

December 28
• Deadline to certify final property tax levy

WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with County Administrator Jeff Cadwell about the 2019 budget timeline and process.