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Local governments seek House OK for tax-raising referenda

Oakdale Mayor Paul Reinke leads a group of city officials and legislators in a presentation for a local option sales tax before the House Property and Local Tax Division Feb. 17. Photo by Paul Battaglia
Oakdale Mayor Paul Reinke leads a group of city officials and legislators in a presentation for a local option sales tax before the House Property and Local Tax Division Feb. 17. Photo by Paul Battaglia

Voting to have your local sales taxes raised to fund a particular project isn’t as easy as it used to be. Prior to this year, voters could approve proposals on Election Day, then ask the Legislature and governor to give their blessing to the funding plans.

But the 2019 tax law called for stricter legislative control, including that voter approval can now only occur after the Legislature has vetted the projects and granted taxing authority to a municipality or county to fund them. The proposals also must demonstrate that the projects have clear regional benefit beyond the city or county.

Not only that, but proposals had to be submitted to the House and Senate tax chairs and ranking minority members by Jan. 31.

That deadline was met by 20 cities and two counties, and the House Property and Local Tax Division will hear their proposals over the course of six meetings. The first took place Monday.

The following bills were laid over for potential inclusion in an omnibus property and local tax bill, which could allow the proposals to be on local ballots this fall:

Carlton County — HF3155, sponsored by Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL-Esko), proposes a 0.5% local sales tax to fund a new law enforcement center and jail at a price tag of up to $40 million. The bill has no Senate companion.

Oakdale — HF3134, sponsored by Rep. Tou Xiong (DFL-Maplewood), would make possible a 0.5% sales tax to allow $15 million in funding for a new public works facility and $12 million for expansion of the police station. Its companion, SF2955, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood), awaits action by the Senate Taxes Committee.

Grand Rapids — HF2931, sponsored by Rep. Sandy Layman (R-Cohasset), would place on the ballot a 1% sales tax that would fund almost $11 million in renovations to the IRA (Itasca Recreation Association) Civic Center. The bill has no Senate companion.

Crosslake — HF2956, sponsored by Rep. Dale Lueck (R-Aitkin), would institute a 0.5% local sales tax designed to raise $4.8 million for financing a bio-solid treatment facility and expansion of the town’s sewer system. Its companion, SF2992, sponsored by Sen. Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point), awaits action by the Senate Taxes Committee.

 


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