Kenosha County's budget for 2024 reflects a careful balance between fiscal responsibility and necessary growth, as highlighted in the recent public hearing. The general purpose levy has been set at $77,794,595.39, marking a modest 2.52% increase from last year. This aligns closely with the county's 20-year average increase of 2.48%, demonstrating a consistent approach to managing taxpayer funds.

In a notable development, homeowners can expect a slight decrease in taxes, with a reduction of $2.83 based on the median home price. This is a positive sign for residents, especially as the county's equalized property values have surged by $1.89 billion, driven by 3% new construction and a 5.34% increase in overall value.

The budget also outlines significant capital improvements totaling $22,000,185, with a total of $33,630,000 earmarked for capital expenditures. Key allocations include $2.21 million for parks, $1.75 million for the golf division, and $1.58 million for the Sheriff's Department, which includes $930,000 for vehicle replacements. Notably, there are no new trucks included in this budget, a detail that may please some residents.

The county has managed to keep staffing increases minimal, with only a 5.10 full-time equivalent increase, primarily funded through non-levy sources. This careful management of resources has resulted in a revenue increase of $10,630,000 against an expenditure increase of $12,540,000.

As the county moves forward, officials urge residents to pay close attention to the budget resolution, emphasizing its importance in understanding the financial direction of Kenosha County. The meeting underscored a commitment to transparency and responsible governance, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.