A plan to organize local watershed districts into regional basin boards is drawing criticism for its attempt to tax local districts in order to provide financial support for the boards.
Sponsored by Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead),
HF1734 would allow a basin board or a county to access a property tax levy throughout a river basin if a majority of the members are elected officials. The tax may not exceed 0.048 percent of the taxable market value of all property within the basin or $1 million, whichever is less.
Lanning said the policy is needed so that water issues can be addressed from a broader perspective. Of the nine river basins in Minnesota, only three are formally organized. In his district, the Ottertail watershed has not petitioned to become formally organized and is not a board member.
The House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division held the bill over March 18 for possible omnibus bill inclusion after members voiced concerns.
“It would be important to know if the governor supports this local tax increase,” Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls) said.
Rep. Kate Knuth (DFL-New Brighton) said the proposal is a smart way to deal with water planning issues, but she’s concerned about how a basin board would interact with local entities.
Sen. John Doll (DFL-Burnsville) sponsors a companion,
SF2085. It awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Doling out resources
Omnibus environment and natural resources law also contains energy provisions
(view full story)
Published 6/1/2010
Definitions matter
Language for environment and energy spending called into question
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
Supplant or supplement?
Some think constitutionally dedicated funds may be filling traditional funding void
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Sinking the law on sunken timber
DNR intends to let sleeping logs lie
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Minnesota Index: Earth, wind and fire
Figures and statistics on Earth Day and the environment
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Minnesota Index: Quality of life
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's quality of life
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
Talkin’ trash
PCA discovers interpreting the letter of the law isn’t easy
(view full story)
Published 3/18/2010
Land wHOa!
Audit suggests DNR has more land than they can manage
(view full story)
Published 3/11/2010
Safe Drug Disposal Act
Leftover drugs find their way to fish and teens
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Money for outdoors, arts gets green light
Legacy bill passes but still needs work
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: Unearthing the state’s past
Legacy bill moves through final process quickly, awaits floor action
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding environment and energy
Conferees make additional spending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
First Reading: Wildfire in slow motion
Emerald ash borer ignites prevention policies
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
Toxic Free Kids Act survives House floor omnibus debate
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Control-alt-delete
Electronic waste collections called ‘too successful’
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
(view full story)
Published 2/6/2009