The Blue Earth County Board is poised to increase its property tax levy by $95,000 after some late-year adjustments — most importantly the addition of police dispatch staff.

The board “appears to be ready” to increase its share of the property tax levy from 6.12 percent to 6.62 percent, said County Administrator Dennis McCoy. The 2006 budget won’t be adopted until mid-December, after Truth-in-Taxation hearings where residents can suggest changes.

No final decisions were made at Wednesday’s work session. But even if it’s included in the budget, the increase wouldn’t have much effect on the county’s share of the levy, which is set to decrease next year for all homeowners.

Chief Deputy Brad Schultz said there has been a “drastic increase” in calls to the dispatch center over the past few years. That’s created a stressful situation for dispatchers and led to high turnover.

There was some concern on the board that the request didn’t come through usual channels.

“They think they can circumvent the process,” commissioner Colleen Landkamer said. “And I don’t like circumventing the process.”

Landkamer said she supported the request, if not the way it was presented to the board.

The board also appeared ready to approve adding about $42,000 to the budget in other areas.

A community coalition including representatives from Mankato, North Mankato and the business community requested $15,000 from the board for what it’s calling Envision 2020 — a long-term planning process.

“I know this is a lot of money, but I think this is something that’s really important,” Landkamer said. “Looking at the future — what we want to look like in 20 years — is critical.”

Commissioner Tom McLaughlin said he’s for appropriating the money, as long as the group would move toward real development and not be merely a talking committee. McCoy assured him that it would be effective.

McCoy also suggested increasing county support for ten area organizations, totaling about $12,000. Those groups that haven’t received boosts for ten years received a 10 percent increase or $100, whichever is larger. And groups that haven’t received funding upgrades in five years got a 5 percent upgrade or $100.

The Blue Earth County Historical Society was the biggest winner with an increase of $4,250.

Jessica Potter, the society’s executive director, said the bulk of her budget comes from the county, which she thanked for the help at a time when other historical societies have undergone severe cuts.

Another $15,000 was allotted to two local programs in order to leverage matching grant money.