COUNTY BUDGET SET NEXT MEETING

Crow Wing County Commissioners had agreed earlier this year on a 5% increase in the county levy. Commissioners told county staff on Tuesday, by a vote of 3-2 to work up a budget based on a 3% increase. Commissioner Doug Hauge voted against the request because he thinks the county needs at least a 5% increase. Hauge said Crow Wing is a growing county and that means county services and that means people to do the work. Hauge also said there are reserve fund balances that haven't been addressed and that a 3% increase would only postpone. The new commissioner said he would rather have a level county levy in the future rather than one that goes up and down with time. The board meets again on December 11th to set the budget for next year.