Dodge County sets final levy allocations, previews $1 million capital plan in preliminary 2025–26 budget

The Dodge County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution setting final allocations of levy for fiscal year 2025–2026 and reviewed a preliminary county budget that would place $1 million into a Capital Improvement Fund to help pay for courthouse repairs, road projects and Public Safety Answering Point expenses tied to a new police station.

"I think this is a good budget considering the 2% cap the State Legislature imposed," Supervisor Bendig said, noting the county remained below that cap and therefore will not have to participate in the joint public hearing required by the Property Tax Request Act. "This money will help pay for repairs to the courthouse, roads projects and PSAP expenses as a result of the new police station being built."

Chairman Missel read the adopted resolution setting final levy allocations for the coming fiscal year. Supervisor Strand said he hopes property valuations will "continue to fall in line with the Board's requests," reflecting concerns about a slowing housing market and valuation impacts on tax requests.

The board set a public hearing on the county budget for 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2025. The preliminary review provided figures and policy direction but did not adopt the final budget; the hearing will allow the public to review and comment before any final adoption.

County officials also noted that inheritance tax funds are being used again to help lower property tax requests in the coming year. The board did not change the timing for next steps: department heads will continue to refine budget estimates ahead of the Sept. 3 public hearing.