The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a proposed 3.5 percent increase in the 2012 county tax levy, which if finalized will go to support increased infrastructure needs.

While the levy can be lowered between now and December, it cannot be raised.

Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever said while it is difficult to give an estimate of what the increase would mean for residents, he is estimating it would equal out to an increase of about $20 a year in the county portion of taxes for a $100,000 home.

That’s on top of automatic property tax increases that are expected because of state changes to the market value homestead credit.

Kluever estimated the levy increase would average out to an increase of 30 to 35 cents per acre for ag land.

The proposed tax levy came after commissioners had a series of budget workshops to consider changes to the budget.

Most of the county’s departments are slated to have no increases or a decrease, while the highway department may receive an increase of about $289,000.

An increase for capital improvements projects totaling about $367,000 was also budgeted.

Under the proposed budget approved Tuesday, county budget expenditures for 2012 are at about $41.16 million, while revenues are $41.69 million.

The total proposed tax levy was approved at almost $19.3 million.

Commissioners had to approve the proposed levy and budget by Sept. 15. They will vote on the final levy and budget in December.

Look to the Tribune online and in print for more about the Tuesday meeting.