The following article by Steve Brandt was first published in the January 6, 2016 online edition of the Star Tribune. An updated version of the article was published on January 7 in the print edition of the Star Tribune.
Minneapolis Park Superintendent Seeks $300 Million via November Referendum
Jayne Miller’s core proposal would address repair backlog in local parks, but some unrealized plans would also be funded.
Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune
Faisa Adeys pushed her 2-year-old daughter Mumtaz in a swing in Matthews Park, Minneapolis. Minneapolis park leaders formally proposed that all city residents vote in November on a referendum that would generate about $300 million over 20 years.
Minneapolis park Superintendent Jayne Miller Wednesday formally proposed that all city residents vote in November on a referendum that would generate about $300 million over 20 years for neighborhood parks in Minneapolis.
The proposal would tie the increased park spending to the city’s taxable property base, generating an estimated $15 million initially. The owner of a $190,000 single-family house — close to the city median value — would pay an estimated $65.53 more per year initially.
Miller’s proposal would kick in for 2018 taxes to give the park system time to gear up for the funding surge. She proposed levying the increase on a pay-as- you-go basis rather than selling bonds and incurring interest costs to pay them off.
Her proposal to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Wednesday evening is expected to gain board approval, probably later in January.
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Minneapolis park superintendent seeks $300 million via November referendum
