Goodhue County commissioners split 3-2 during Tuesday s vote. Written By: Rachel Fergus | ×
RED WING Goodhue County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a 2.77% increase in the levy on Tuesday.
County staff proposed a property tax levy of $37,899,109 for next year. Commissioner Barney Nesseth made a motion to keep the levy flat, with no increase from 2020, but it ultimately failed by a 2-3 vote. Nesseth and Commissioner Jason Majerus voted in favor. We got a lot of residents in the county who are probably struggling, a lot of my employees are struggling, we have the fund balance to do it,” Nesseth said of his motion.
In one of his last meetings as a Goodhue County commissioner, Barney Nesseth pleaded with the board not to increase the countyâs 2021 property tax levy.
Nesseth, during its Dec. 15 meeting, felt taxpayers needed relief due to the wrath of COVID-19 on many area residents. Opponents of the proposal felt it was unwise to make cuts not knowing what impact the virus could have on state aid and other county revenue.
While Commissioner Jason Majerus backed the proposal, Nessethâs motion failed 3-2.
Nesseth, who represents southwest Goodhue County, reminded the board that in August it agreed to discuss keeping the levy flat when considering approving the 2021 levy and budget.