Washington
Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties all seek property tax levy hikes
Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties all are seeking property tax levy increases this year, as they deal with higher costs in areas such as construction, labor and healthcare as well as the end of federal pandemic money.
Homeowners and other property owners in the east metro have seen the proposed hikes on their property tax statements. There is a distinction between the levies imposed by counties and those from their city, county, school district and other special taxing jurisdictions. Up to a dozen different taxing authorities — including mosquito control districts — contribute to the total payment due at the bottom of a tax statement.
“They’re looking at a tax statement that comes from us, but it includes the city, the school district,” said Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega, who said he, too, has shouldered years of sizable property tax increases.
Ortega noted home prices have soared in recent years in higher-end neighborhoods like St. Paul’s Highland Park, while many long-undervalued properties in poorer neighborhoods are effectively playing catch-up as their estimated market values spike. Values also have shifted, leveled off or dropped for commercial office buildings, apartment buildings, industrial properties and small businesses in St. Paul while rising for St. Paul homeowners.
“I’ve been paying 15% increases on both mine and my mother’s properties for the last five years,” Ortega said. “You take a place like the East Side that has such low values, but their taxes jump higher because of the increase in assessed value. They’ve been undervalued for so long.”
Beyond growing home values, Ramsey and several other counties experienced deep cuts to state County Program Aid over time, and between 2006 and 2018 in particular.
Increased costs
Construction costs that soared during the pandemic as prices rose for materials and equipment have yet to abate, and a labor shortage continues. Meanwhile, counties are facing rising costs for everyday labor and healthcare. In surveys conducted by the Association of Minnesota Counties, one county reported its health insurance costs ballooning by almost 18% next year.
“That’s a 6.8% tax levy increase alone,” said Matt Hilgart, the government relations manager for the association.
For most counties, “the amount of their budget that is financed with property taxes has grown,” Hilgart said. “There isn’t one single reason why. While some state local government aid has grown very recently after decades of lack of funding or incremental increases, general expenditure spending has also grown.”
Counties “carry out the majority of core social services delivery for most of Minnesota, and I think it’s fair to say some of those mandates have grown over time,” Hilgart said. “Counties across the state, and including Ramsey County, are having to hire more social workers, case managers, and more child protection workers to fulfill both new mandates and increased community needs. These costs show up as wage increases, but in reality, it’s driven by the state mandate to provide certain services.”
Here’s a round-up of proposed property tax levy increases in Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties as well as how their budgets have grown in the past 10 years.
Ramsey County
In St. Paul, a median-value single-family home had an estimated market value of $267,400 for taxes payable this year. That value will go up 3% to $275,300 for taxes payable in 2025. That owner would see overall property taxes — city, county, school district, Met Council and more — go up $337, an 8.8% increase.
Nearly 46% of the county’s proposed 2025 budget is funded by property tax, an increase of less than 1%, or $17.6 million, compared to the current fiscal year. The rest comes from intergovernmental revenues, charges for services and other sources.
The proposed county budget for 2025 is $848.6 million.
Ramsey County’s public truth-in-taxation hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St. in St. Paul. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and interpreters will be available. County commissioners plan to approve the 2025 supplemental budget and property tax levy at their Dec. 17 board meeting.
The Ramsey County Board set next year’s maximum tax levy increase at 4.75% in September, though it could be altered up to the final vote.
Ramsey County budget
• 2015: $622.8 million.
• 2016: $645 million.
• 2017: $660.8 million.
• 2018: $714 million.
• 2019: $738 million.
• 2020: $741.7 million.
• 2021: $763.1 million.
• 2022: $774 million.
• 2023: $785.7 million.
• 2024: $808.5 million.
• 2025: $848.6 million (proposed).
Washington County
Washington County’s 2025 budget is $361.6 million, or $9.65 million less than in 2024. The proposed tax levy increase is 5.9%.
Of the total county budget, property taxes cover $140.48 million, or 38.8%.
There was a decrease in Washington County in the estimated median-value single-family home’s market value from $422,400 in 2024 to $411,400 in 2025. The median increase from 2024 to 2025 for the county portion of taxes is approximately $24, or 2.6%.
The county’s truth-in-taxation hearing was Nov. 26. The county board will vote on the final tax levy and budget at the Dec. 17 board meeting at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater.
Washington County budget
• 2015: $228.7 million.
• 2016: $219.2 million.
• 2017: $211.2 million.
• 2018: $224.3 million.
• 2019: $288.1 million.
• 2020: $282.2 million.
• 2021: $288.5 million.
• 2022: $316 million.
• 2023: $378.9 million.
• 2024: $371.3 million.
• 2025: $361.6 million (proposed).
Dakota County
The recommended 2025 maximum levy of $167.7 million for Dakota County represents a 9.9% increase from the amount levied in 2024, according to officials with Dakota County Finance.
A median-value single-family home in Dakota County carried an estimated market value of $372,000 in 2025 and 2024. Per the proposed levy, the owner would see their taxes go up 5.87%, or $39.62, to total $714.35 next year as compared to $675 in 2024.
“In 2024, the county maintained the lowest levy per capita in the state of Minnesota and the lowest property tax rate among the seven metropolitan counties,” reads the staff report in county budget documents.
Nearly 30% of the county’s 2024 budget was funded by property tax, which according to the county, “is the largest and most stable source of funding.” The proposed budget for 2025 is $532.9 million, with an operating budget of $377.5 million.
The county’s truth-in-taxation hearing was Tuesday night. The county board is expected to vote Dec. 17 on the final budget and levy.
Dakota County budget
• 2015: $245 million.
• 2016: $269 million.
• 2017: $246 million.
• 2018: $249 million.
• 2019: $262 million.
• 2020: $278 million.
• 2021: $294 million.
• 2022: $290 million.
• 2023: $306 million.
• 2024: $336 million.
• 2025 $377.5 million (proposed).
Mick Cronin and the No. 12 UCLA Bruins officially tip off the highly-anticipated 2025-26 season against the Big Sky’s Eastern Washington Eagles.
Backed by UCLA’s star-studded transfer portal addition of Donovan Dent, the Bruins’ ceiling is higher than it’s been in recent season, and yet Westwood still has its fair share of doubters.
The Bruins also have some key returners, like Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark, who are all primed to elevate their games next to Dent.
With that being said, let’s get into our first UCLA men’s basketball preview of the season.
UCLA is the start of EWU’s gauntlet non-conference schedule, which includes the Bruins, Washington State, Utah and No . 8 BYU.
The Eagles’ leading scorer from last season, Andrew Cook, returns this season. Cook averaged 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
This is the second time the Bruins are matching up with Eastern Washington all time. The last matchup came during the 2011-12 season when UCLA beat the Eagles 60-47 in the Los Angeles Sports Arena.
What: UCLA Bruins vs. Eastern Washington Eagles
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Time: 7:30 p.m. (PT)
Where: Pauley Pavilion (Westwood, California)
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: AM 790 (KABC)
1. Donovan Dent, PG
What more is there to say about Dent? The 2024-25 All-American was one of, if not the, most impactful transfers of the offseason, and he is poised to raise Cronin’s offensive ceiling this year.
The elite playmaking guard showed flashes of his impact in UCLA’s two preseason exhibition games, where, despite struggling from the field, showed the poised scoring and facilitating ability that drew Cronin’s eyes to him.
Against an opponent like Eastern Washington, elite guards like Dent can really flex their guns. Look for Dent to set up his teammates more rather than trying to get his own bucket on Monday.
2. Eric Dailey Jr., Forward
Dailey is one of UCLA’s most impactful returners, and he’s primed for a big season next to Dent. He averaged 11.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 33 games last year, showing flashes of his potential as a scorer.
Ahead of this season, Dailey has been named to the 20-person watch list for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award. Dailey’s scoring is integral to UCLA’s success. Last season, the Bruins were 16-2 when he scored at least 10 points in a game.
Dent elevates the players around him. Don’t be surprised if we see a leap year for Dailey.
Make sure to bookmark UCLA Bruins On SI to get all your daily UCLA Bruins news, analysis and more!
Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @cmorenoNBA to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics!
Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Scenes from the Nassau Class A field hockey championship between Massapequa and Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Mia Holihan of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Tatum Brennan of Massapequa battles for possession with Lily Longaro of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa takes a shot on goal against Port Washington goalkeeper during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Sophia Bolognini, left, and Ella Van Nostrand of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lily Longaro of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lexi Raskin of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington battles for possession with Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Brooke Donnellan of Massapequa dribbles past a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa battles for possession with the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa faces Lexi Raskin of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Washington
Juvenile curfew declared in Washington DC; Mayor Muriel Bowser announces nighttime curfew after Halloween ruckus | Today News
Juvenile curfew order was imposed in Washington DC on Saturday after Halloween evening misbehaviour. Executive Office of Washington DC Mayor on November 1 announced restrictions on movement of those below 18 during nighttime over the next few days, in the wake of disorderly behaviour in the past weeks.
The decision follows Halloween-related incidents where young people engaged in brawling, blocked streets and endangered public safety. “The behavior on Halloween evening – which included young people brawling, blocking streets, and moving into commercial establishments in large groups, endangering both themselves and others in the area – follows several weekends of similar behavior by youth in neighborhoods across the District,” the notice issued by Mayor Muriel Bowser states.
Curfew time: From 11:00 PM till 6:00 AM
Curfew last date: November 5
‘All juveniles are subject to a curfew’
Muriel Bowser in a post on X stated, “We are declaring a limited juvenile curfew in Washington, DC. Effective immediately, all juveniles under the age of 18 are subject to a curfew from 11PM until 6AM, which will extend through 11/5.”
Clarifying the reason for the curfew, Muriel Bowser added, “This is in response to several weeks of disorderly juvenile behavior which endangered both themselves and others.”
This comes after five youth were arrested on October 31 by the police and one officer suffered minor injuries. Besides the curfew, the police will designate special zones which are at high risk for disorderly conduct. These locations will have longer curfew times, beginning as early as 6:00 PM.
Furthermore, the notice warns the youths against declaration of temporary curfew zone in case of a group gathering of more than seven youth citing threat to “safety of the youth, residents, or the public.”
List of Special Juvenile Curfew Zones
On Saturday night, Chief of Police Pamela A Smith announced several of the above mentioned “Special Juvenile Curfew Zones” as specified here:
- Navy Yard
- near the U Street Coridor
- Banneker Recreation Center near Howard University
- Union Station
The Navy Yard juvenile curfew zones covers the stretch between Interstate 695 and the Anacostia River on the north and south. It covers the area between 8th Street SE in the east and South Capitol in the west, FOX5 reported
The designated zone near the U Street Corridor covers the stretch between 9th Street NW and Florida Avenue in the east and 15th Street from T Street to V Street NW in the west. It covers the area between V Street and Vermont Avenue NW in the north and T Street NW in the south.
The zone at Banneker Recreation Center stretches between Georgia Avenue NW and 9th Street NW to the east and west. It covers the area between Euclid Street NW and W Street NW to the north and south.
The zone at Union Station covers the stretch 3rd Street NE and North Capitol Street NE to the east and west. It covers the area between H Street NE and D Street NE to the north and south.
High school girls’ tennis: City Section playoff results
Two dead as Typhoon Kalmaegi brings massive flooding in central Philippines
Trump Backs Cuomo, Threatens NYC Funds If Mamdani Wins – The Source with Kaitlan Collins – Podcast on CNN Podcasts
Marc Benioff urges Trump to deploy National Guard in San Francisco after donating millions to liberal causes
Illinois man allegedly threatens Trump execution in profanity-laced videos, faces federal charges
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Two dead as Typhoon Kalmaegi brings massive flooding in central Philippines
Trump Backs Cuomo, Threatens NYC Funds If Mamdani Wins – The Source with Kaitlan Collins – Podcast on CNN Podcasts
Video: The Nationwide Battle Over Electoral Maps
Trump backs ICE raid tactics, says they ‘haven’t gone far enough’
No, picture of heavily guarded German Christmas market isn’t real
-
Milwaukee, WI6 days agoLongtime anchor Shannon Sims is leaving Milwaukee’s WTMJ-TV (Channel 4)
-
News7 days agoWith food stamps set to dry up Nov. 1, SNAP recipients say they fear what’s next
-
Alabama1 week agoHow did former Alabama basketball star Mark Sears do in NBA debut with Milwaukee Bucks?
-
News1 week ago1 dead, 6 injured in shooting at Lincoln University homecoming festivities
-
Austin, TX1 week agoDia De Los Muertos Austin: Parades, Altars & Events
-
Culture5 days agoVideo: Dissecting Three Stephen King Adaptations
-
Culture1 week agoVideo: Tyler Mitchell Breaks Down Three Photos From His New Book
-
Seattle, WA6 days agoFOX 13’s Aaron Levine wins back-to-back Jeopardy! episodes