As city councils across the state begin their 2010 budgeting discussions, cuts to LGA will force tough decisions, and residents will be confronted with reduced services and increased property taxes.
Over the next few months, Thank LGA will be bringing these city stories directly to you through our It’s Hitting Home series. The common connection between these stories is clear: cutting LGA results in cuts to essential services and increases in property taxes. LGA is what keeps Minnesota communities strong, and it needs to be protected in 2010.
St. Paul
Tax increases, spending cuts proposed for 2010 St. Paul budget, Pioneer Press, 8/11/09
To address a steep cut in state aid, Mayor Chris Coleman has proposed increasing the city’s levy by 6% and the public works right-of-way assessment by 6.8%. The city may also have to lay off as many as 45 people next year, which will negatively impact the various services they provide.
Bemidji
Budget crunch hits city; City Council votes 4-3 to cut one position, Bemidji Pioneer, 8/11/09
In a contentious decision, the Bemidji City Council voted to eliminate the city’s community development director position. This position performed such tasks as grant-writing, managing the city’s economic development programs, and maintaining communications with the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning office.
North Mankato
North Mankato weighing budget options, Mankato Free Press, 8/11/09
The City of North Mankato expresses its frustrations with what appears to be an impossible situation: a nearly $500,000 budget hole from lost LGA and few favorable solutions.