Dodge County approves 3.5% levy increase for 2025

Dodge County Commissioners have approved the 2025 budget of $36,602,407, which includes a tax levy of $17,941,264. The levy is an increase of 3.5% over 2024. The total budget number, however, is 7.1% lower than last year.
The 2024 budget was $39,410,986 with a tax levy of $17,334,555.
The annual Truth in Taxation meeting was held December 12. The final budget is the same as the one that was presented at the preliminary budget certification in September, County Administrator Jim Elmquist said in a memo to the board.
Main factors driving the 3.5% levy increase, county officials said, are personnel costs and the higher costs for goods and services.
The total amount levied will be $17,941,264.
The total budget approved represents a $2.8 million reduction from 2024 and total revenues of $17,072,777, a $2.9 million reduction from 2024.
In approving the budget and levy for 2025 Board Chair John Allen expressed his appreciation for the work done in keeping the tax rate as low as possible and said he was confident that the county would have the lowest levy increase in the area.
“Everyone has done due diligence,” he said.
The budget and levy resolution passed by the board included a breakdown by fund of where the levy money will go including $11,978,423 to General Revenue; $31,526 to EDA/HRA; $80,747 to Environmental Quality; $2,391,996 to Highway; $3,590,475 to Human Services and $1,037,101 to GO Debt Fund.
Current balances for all funds is currently at $19,110,268 with the budget also including $1,169,004 from the state for County Program Aid.