Documenters report: Minneapolis finance board considers tax levy increase for parks

MinnPost’s Twin Cities Documenters program trains and pays community members to take notes at local government meetings. Below are Documenter Glen Johnson’s summary and observations from the July 22 Minneapolis Board of Estimate & Taxation meeting. You can find Glen’s full notes here, which include links to the agenda and video recording.

Summary: 

• The board received a presentation from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for their proposed 2027 budget ($100,518,206) which would require a property tax levy increase of 5.68%. 
  • The MPRB budget director presented the financial status of the enterprise and general funds as well as a strategic goal to increase non-property tax revenue by 20% by 2030 to limit property tax revenue needs.
  • The BET will set the maximum levy for the city and park board budgets in September.
  • Commissioners asked about specific revenue strategies, such as paid parking, and president Brandt asked how the park board is addressing regional park needs when the state is not meeting its obligation to provide 40% of that funding. Parks staff advised they are working with other regional partners to achieve the 40%, but are using grant and lottery funds for this purpose now.

• The board authorized reissuing $96 million in capital bonds, which would save $1.98 million in finance costs.
  • $73 million in bond principal cost was issued to build the Public Services Building and the east side facility. The authorization allows reissuing the bonds to lock in lower interest rates, but does not obligate the city to do so if bond rates change.

• The board approved a cost of living increase for the BET executive secretary. 
  • The cost of living increase was missed by the city’s HR operations and the city attorney’s office advised raises cannot be retroactively applied.
  • Commissioners asked for staff to look into the issue to find ways to address the missed pay that should have happened and report back to the BET on options.

Observations and follow up questions: 

Accessibility: Did you face any challenges that made it harder to document the meeting or that may have made it difficult for others to attend?

•  No challenges

Scene: About how many members of the public attended the meeting? If watching virtually, what was the livestream count (if applicable)? Was anyone protesting outside? 

•  120 viewers on youtube.

Notable: Do you have any follow up questions or other observations to share?

•  The Park Board tax levy request is on the larger side. Will want to watch for what happens with the BET vote and proposed budget from the superintendent. 

How to get involved:

When is the next meeting for this board/committee? Any upcoming public hearings? Online surveys? 

•  The BET next meets Aug. 12 at 4 p.m.

Related: Minneapolis park board seeks property tax increase

More context:

Read Documenter Glen Johnson’s full notes here, which include links to the agenda and video recording. View our full database of notes here.

Want to become a Documenter? You can start by making an account here.

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