ST. PAUL, Minn. — The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul are looking to raise taxes on property owners.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is looking to raise taxes by 24 percent. However, Coleman’s office explains the rise in taxes is not what people think.
Coleman has actually reduced the city’s overall budget by $1.5 million or 0.3 percent according to Ben Petok, the Mayor’s communications director.
Nineteen percent of the tax hike comes from taxpayer funds currently collected. In late 2016, the Minnesota Supreme Court determined that “Right of Way” fee program implemented by the city to fund snow plows and general city maintenance was unconstitutional.
The city plans to shift those funds into the it’s general fund. Meanwhile, the remaining 4.9 percent simply accounts for inflation.
The city plans to also raise funding for St. Paul Police and St. Paul Fire. The funds will include the hiring of six St. Paul Police Officers.
Overall, the city’s budget will be reduced by $1,527,070 in the 2018 budget. The Star Tribune reports that some property owners could see a $77 increase as a result if their home falls within the median household price.
Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges plans to increase the taxes of property owners with a 5.5 percent levy.
According to a press release, the rise in property taxes will go to fund a 20-year Parks and Streets plan put in place by Hodges and the city council last year. Homeowners with a median average household price should expect a $61 increase in their property taxes.
Hodges’ office did not respond for comment in time for publication.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
