Benton County Planning for Conservative 2018 Budget

FOLEY -- Benton County will spend slightly more in 2018 under their budget plan. The budget calls for a 1.3% increase in the tax levy, but that increase will be offset by an anticipated 5% increase in the county tax base.

County Administrator Monty Headley says it means if your home valuation doesn't go up, you should see a small decrease in the county portion of your property taxes.

Headley says the total budget for 2018 is about $42,900,000, up $156,000 or 0.4%.

The extra money will go to hire another social worker for daycare compliance checks, add staff hours to the Benton County Attorney's Office, improved technology and to begin replacing aging election equipment.

The truth-in-taxation hearing will be held December 6th and the final budget will be approved at the December 19th county board meeting.