Dear Friends,
As many of you know, yesterday was Night to Unite (formerly National Night Out), a night where communities around Minnesota and across the country gather to greet their neighbors for block parties. The event is used primarily to strengthen neighborhood relationships, and encourage drug and crime prevention awareness.
Strong relationships in our neighborhoods and communities are one of the best tools against crime. Many law enforcement organizations participate in Night to Unite as a way to promote tips on how to make your neighborhood safer.
Thanks to everyone in Rosemount and Apple Valley for the kind reception -- I had hoped to make it to more gatherings, but the severe weather cut the evening's festivities short.
I also met with Dakota County Regional Chamber President Vicki Stute on Monday. Much of our conversation was on the new warehousing tax that was passed last session, and how it's already costing Minnesota jobs and growth opportunities for existing companies. We agreed that we need to be taking steps to make Minnesota's business climate more attractive so we can create jobs, rather than encouraging them to go elsewhere.
Apple Valley, Rosemount, Coates unlikely to see property tax relief
I've received a number of questions this summer about property taxes. There has been a lot of talk this summer about property taxes, and with it comes some confusion about what it would mean for our area. Despite claims that property taxes are going down, it's unlikely that homeowners in Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Coates are going to see any relief on their property tax statements.
The DFL majority is claiming that increasing government aid to local cities and counties qualifies as property tax relief. In a sense, they are right. Many communities around Minnesota receive local government aid (LGA), and could use those increased payments to lower their overall levy.
Unfortunately, our communities do not receive LGA. That means that there's no new government money coming in that would allow the cities of Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Coates to lower their property tax levies.
In fact, it was decided at Monday night's school board meeting that the Apple Valley-Eagan-Rosemount school district will be asking taxpayers for $10 million dollars per year -- which works out to about $184 dollars for the owner of a $225,000 home, the average for the school district.
If passed, that would mean a property tax increase for residents in our area. I hope this clears up the issue for you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 651-296-4306 or by email at rep.anna.wills@house.mn.
Have a great rest of your week,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B