Rising public safety expenses to hit Minnehaha County taxpayers

Commission approves $2.3 million property tax opt-out

Law breakers are driving up property taxes.

That was the message Tuesday morning after the Minnehaha County Commission approved a property tax opt-out of more than $2.3 million. The opt-out allows the county to take more in property tax revenue than allowed under state taxing formulas.

The latest opt-out brings the county’s total approved opt-outs to about $20 million, county finance and budget officer Susan Beaman said. And although the newest opt-out is subject to a referral by county voters, no members of the public addressed the issue Tuesday.