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(Forest Lake) – Area lawmakers are hoping legislation introduced this week will give taxpayers an added layer of protection from tax increases levied by regional watershed districts.
State Senator Ray Vandeveer (R-Forest Lake) and State Representative Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) joined Washington County Commissioners Dennis Hegberg and Gary Kriesel, and County Administrator Jim Schug to announce the legislation Friday at Forest Lake City Hall.
“Currently, unelected administrators make taxing decisions in our watershed districts,” Vandeveer said. “The purpose of this proposal is to assure taxpayers that there is some degree of review and oversight of property tax increases.”
He added: “We sometimes blame local elected officials for these increases because they are the ones we can hold accountable with our votes. This bill would give these local officials the authority, as well as the responsibility, to oversee taxes and spending in this area.”
State Representative Bob Dettmer believes watershed budgets and projects should be brought to the county for oversight and approval. “This allows voters an opportunity to express their opinions regarding proposed projects and tax increases,” he said.