Taxpayers will have their day to speak out about proposed tax increases in the county Dec. 8. The county board set the date for its annual Truth in Taxation meeting Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

The meeting will be the time for the public to voice opnions about a proposed maximum 7 percent tax levy increase for 2012.

Taxpayers will also see increases from the loss of the Market Value Credit, but the change was due a state shift.

Chairman Tim Gabrielson said the board will keep looking for further cuts to county services before the final increase for 2012, which could be smaller, but not larger, than 7 percent.

Board members made it clear that out-of-home placements such as juvenile delinquents, abused and other troubled adolescents have placed an increasing burden on not only Mower, but many surrounding counties.

With out-of-home placements, state shifts in local funding and increasing fuel costs for county vehicles, the board estimates 2012 costs to be nearly $418,000 more than 2011.