Rock County plans spending increase in 2021 budget for capital projects

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Rock County’s preliminary budget proposal for 2021 includes an 8.8 percent increase in spending as the county moves forward on facility and road projects.

Rock County Administrator Josh Smith said their operating costs will remain fairly flat, but they plan to spend more on paying off debt and continuing building projects including relocating the information technology and 9-1-1 center.

The increase in the county’s equalized value will increase the tax levy available for the budget, which will lower the overall tax rate while increasing the tax bill for many residents as expected.

Smith said 2021 will be the first year Rock County receives shared revenue from the completed Alliant Energy Plant in the Town of Beloit.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic leaves some uncertainty about what level of grant funding will be available in 2021.

The Rock County Board will hold a public hearing for the budget on November 4.