WASHINGTON

The Washington County supervisors meeting Tuesday opened with a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for fiscal 2025-26 that drew concerns about a proposed levy of 9.353999 for urban property and 11.24909 for rural, an approximate 2.58 percent increase per table evaluation. For a retired Riverside resident who has seen his taxes increase from $3,000 to $6,000, he and another voiced concerns about having enough money in the face of rising prices on everything.

Of equal concern was 16 state mandates to be paid by the counties, and the fact that the county collects funds for the state without sufficient reimbursement for its overhead in the process.

Following the hearing, the board held a second one for review and approval of a final plat for the Timberline Estates Part II subdivision. However, after a 40-minute hearing discussion, in considering tabling the action, noting it was a “preliminary” plan, the board found it was on the agenda as a final plan.

During the hearing discussion, details were presented regarding road and water issues and even a possible lawsuit about water diversion, as well acknowledgement that all county ordinances had been met, as well as receiving permission from the DNR, for the future housing development. Although recommendations for approval came from both the Land Use and Planning Commission and county subdivision coordinator, the board approved tabling to allow a final review. However, it was noted that the plan had approval from a certified engineer and the DNR, and the motion was for approval of the final plat.

When it came to the Secondary Roads Building Projects, specifically a large garage with two bays, after discussing rising prices, the board acknowledged that the total cost of $1,847,503 may be possible to meet using $100,000 previously allocated from APRA funds. However, there was discussion about a possible $50,000 that could come from contingency funds. Low bidders for the project were Christner Contracting and Ace Electric, Washington. Bidding, March 26, was for a base bid plus alternates regarding the number of bays.