Roseville Council Begins Debate on Budget Talks

Roseville city government will become leaner and meaner in 2012 if budget recommendations discussed by City Council members are any indication.

The city’s tax-funded operating budget would decrease 2 percent from 2011, with three full-time city positions eliminated as City Council members on Monday night began debating a shift from an annual budget to a two-year, or biennial budget cycle during their Monday evening meeting.

Prepared by City Manager William Malinen, the budget blueprint for 2012 and 2013 would increase city property taxes on a median-priced Roseville home to $57 a month in 2013.

Malinen termed that cost the “new normal” for maintaining Roseville’s city services, adding that even that level would rank below many in other metro area suburban cities.

However, Council approval of the 2012 and 2013 budgets is far off – especially considering the standoff between state Legislators and Gov. Mark Dayton on how to make up a projected $4.2 billion budget shortfall.

Differences between Dayton and Republican majority legislators on how to narrow that gap has resulted in a shut down of most state services since July 1.