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FLORENCE, Wis. -- The Florence County Board on Tuesday passed its 2024 budget, listing total expenditures of $11,196,089, up 5.1% from 2023.
The tax levy for the 2023 tax year to be applied to the 2024 budget is $4,599,862, at a rate of $4.86 per $1,000 of equalized value for government operations plus $1.84 per $1,000 of equalized value for emergency medical services.
Under levy limits set by the state, property tax revenues will rise by just $55,570 from the 2022 levy. To balance the budget, prior-year surpluses of $196,045 from the human services fund and $381,004 from the general fund will be tapped.
The budget calls for establishing three EMS station sites across the county with a minimum of basic life support ambulances at all times. The transition to a countywide EMS service owned and operated by the county has begun and is expected to be completed next year, officials said.
The capital improvement plan includes $700,000 for EMS, with a $200,000 levy to be supplemented by contributions from volunteer agencies to support the countywide service.
Federal American Rescue Plan funds of $139,029 are available to fund the purchase of two law enforcement vehicles and to increase services for military veterans.
The Highway Department will receive $85,000 for the purchase of a one-ton truck, and for purchasing used equipment if any is available. The Forestry and Parks Department will receive $121,635 for the purchase of a truck and UTV, paving for the Lake Emily parking area and new carpeting for the Keyes Peak ski lodge.