The primary tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, at $3.41 per $100 of assessed valuation, remains steady at the 2011/2012 rate.

In all, the total tax rate was set at $4.85 per $100 of assessed valuation, when taking into account taxes that support fire districts, flood control projects, libraries and payments on county debt.

That is a smidge higher than last year’s, because of a slight increase in fire district assistance, but far lower than a decade ago, when the combined tax rate was nearly $5.50.

In all, property taxes will be lower next fiscal year by more than $12 million. The County levy hasn’t been this low since 2007.

“In light of the economic recovery, it is prudent policy to maintain a consistent tax rate,” said County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. “And while we remain committed to continuing to work on efficiencies, we are pleased that we are also able to maintain a high level of service to our local residents.”

Huckelberry said the tax rate will support a budget that has sufficient cushion to absorb any unexpected expenses, particularly given past legislative fund sweeps and reductions in revenues shared with counties and cities.