Dodge County gives OK on 6.3% preliminary levy increase

The Dodge County Board of Commissioners set the county’s preliminary 2027 tax levy increase at 6.3%, for a total net levy of $20,213,369, at their Sept. 22 meeting. The preliminary 2027 budget was set at $43,986,813, 12% higher than 2026.
District 3 Commissioner Rodney Peterson was the lone no vote as he wanted to see the budget under $40 million.
Significant budget changes from 2026 include a 25% increase for attorneys, 28% for building operations, and 35.9% for highway engineering.
The preliminary budget and levy will be used to calculate Truth in Taxation notices to be mailed
soon. Between the preliminary certification date and the final budget hearing on December 10 at 6.m., the board may continue to refine the budget and levy, however the preliminary levy represents the maximum amount the county can certify for 2027.
In a memo to the board, Finance Director Kevin Venenga said county staff is aware the board intends to reduce the levy before the end of the year.
After the levy vote, Southeastern Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority was approved for a special benefit tax in the amount of $62,284, which had already been budgeted, to be levied by Dodge County.
The lone no vote, District 1 Commissioner John Allen said he supports the program, but would rather individual Dodge County cities pay directly, rather than the county.
SEMMCHRA was created by action of the boards of commissioners of Dodge, Goodhue,
Wabasha, and Winona Counties and aims to enhance and strengthen communities through advocacy, collaboration and promotion of self-reliance, housing, and community development.
In a memo to the board, SEMMCHRA CEO Justin Stotts said the organization serves an average of 412 households, with per-household assistance averaging $8,040 annually. The average household income of participating families is $17,502. The estimated cost of the 2027 request to a taxpayer with a $350,000 taxable market value is $5.83. SEMMCHRA pays property taxes to Dodge County of approximately $42,000 annually.
Speaking with the DCI, Stotts added that the majority of their funding comes first from the federal government, then the state, and lastly the participating counties.