Board to set budget, tax levy

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on the 2019 property tax levy (payable in 2020) along with the 2020 budget at its 4 p.m. Dec. 23 meeting. The Truth-in-Taxation public hearing was held Dec. 3.

As well, the Carlton County Board of Commissioners will be reviewing a proposed tobacco ordinance at a public hearing on December 23rd during their regularly scheduled board meeting. The main inclusions proposed are to increase the legal sales age for tobacco to 21, and restrictions on the sale of menthol/flavorings. The priority given to this topic has been in response to the increased addiction rates in younger ages as of late, and the correlation and research behind these two main topic areas as proven strategies to help reduce youth use and addiction rates. Commissioner Gary Peterson shared that “We are looking at protecting our youth from this increasing epidemic.”

The meeting will also include a hearing on the bonding program for a new Barnum garage at 5 p.m.

If you have questions or concerns on any of the meeting topics, feel free to contact your County Commissioner by December 20, 2019. County Commissioner contact information can be found here: https://www.co.carlton.mn.us/386/County-Board-of-Commissioners.