Resident presses county on late budget schedule as commissioners set property tax request

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing on the final tax request and the proposed 2627 county budget, then set the county's property tax request at $9,394,467.71. Chair and staff explained the calculation accounts for variable revenues and state returns; the board approved Resolution 26C‑020 by roll call after a motion and second.

During the hearing a local resident objected to the timing of the county budget process. "How come we don't set the budget way sooner than this? ... I have no idea what the budget is?" the speaker asked, urging earlier publication and engagement so elected and appointed officials can plan. Commissioners acknowledged the long-standing schedule and said the county is changing how the "pink card" meeting is held next year to allow earlier public involvement, but no immediate procedural change was adopted during the session.