Hennepin County is cutting spending — so why are property taxes expected to go up?

Hennepin County leaders have proposed a property tax increase despite plans to cut next year’s budget.

Hennepin County officials this week laid out plans to cut the budget by 5.3% next year while proposing an 8.15% property tax increase. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS examined why taxpayers may be asked to pay more even with lower spending.

Hennepin County Chief Financial Officer Joe Mathews said property taxes are a sizable part of the county budget along with state and federal money for required services. He said those services are still required next year, but less outside money is coming in.

“The biggest change really has been the reduction in revenue for services that we’re already required to provide,” Mathews said.

“That’s the most significant, and that number grows as those cuts are fully phased in.”

An 8.15% tax increase would equal about $92 million more for the co...