WINONA, Minn. – The County Board gave preliminary approval to a 10% tax increase for next year.  The increase was revised significantly downward from the initial 25% proposal from county agencies. A 10% increase would generate roughy $2 million in new revenue but still be $740,000 under water. The Board would tap reserves for he $740,000 shortfall. The tas increase and the reserve drawdown could be adjusted diwnard if county revenues come in higher than expected. To note: The approval was preliminary. Not until December will the Board need to lock in a 2023 budget.

How they voted:

> For revised budget: Marie Kovecsi (2nd District Goodview and Winona West Side), Chris Meyer (1st District (Winona East Side and neighboring south townships), and Greg Olson, (4th District (central Winona)

> Against: Steve Jacob (3rd District (Altura, Elba, Rollingstone, St. Charles, Minnesota City, Stockton, Utica, and north and west townships), Marcia Ward (5th District (Dakota, Dresbach, LaCrescent, Lewiston, Utica, and south townships).

$73 million budget

In recent weeks, county agencies were asked to trim their 2023 budget requests. The result: A cut in the overall county budget and a concomitant drop in the proposed tax increase from a 25% down  to 10%. Even so, the question remains: Why so significant the budget growth? In short: Inflationary costs, including fuel; debt payments on the new jail; increases in department spending, reflecting staff salary hikes and insurance; and lower revenue estimates.

Reality jolt versus grudge votes

Not a single County Board member is pleased with increasing taxes to accommodate budget growth.  But to members who voted for a 10% tax increase, there was no choice. Marie Kovecsi called it “an unfortunate coming together of things that have to be paid for.” Steve Jacob and Marca Ward, who voted against the budget revision, admitted that theirs were grudge votes. For years they had opposed building a new jail but lost in a 3-2 majority vote for the new. Now that the $28 million jail is almost complete it’s time to start paying for it, they don’t want to. Said Jacob: “This budget is being largely influenced by the jail that I did not vote for.” He ssid he would support only a zero change in taxes. He said there remain possibilities for belt-tightening but was vague on specifics to make up the $2 million shortfall.

Earlier: Initial 2023 Winona budget: Up 25%