The following article by Eric Roper was published in the March 26, 2016 edition of the Star Tribune.
Minneapolis Mayor Looks to Levy to Cover Road, Parks Shortfall
Mayor’s plan: $30M per year for 10 years to close the funding shortfall.
Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said Friday the city should commit an additional $30 million for 10 years to close projected funding shortfalls for roads and parks — and raise taxes to pay for it.
She released a basic outline of the $300 million plan with City Council Member John Quincy on Friday. It would mean boosting the city’s levy — the dollar amount it collects in taxes — 1.4 percent more per year than the previously forecast average of 3.5 percent.
The proposal comes days after Hodges vetoed another plan to fund needed park improvements over 20 years by largely relying on funding sources within the city’s existing budget, including pension savings. Hodges said those sources are too unpredictable for the long-term commitment.
To continue reading, click on the link to the Star Tribune
Minneapolis mayor looks to levy to cover road, parks shortfall
