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Politics & Government

Roseville Council Ponders 4.4 Percent Tax Levy Increase

Mayor Roe calls the proposal a starting point for 2012 budget negotiations,

Roseville Council members are considering nearly a 4.4 percent tax levy increase for the city's portion of 2012 property taxes.

The $643,000 increase, considered a starting point for budget negotiations for 2012, was discussed at the end of Monday’s Council meeting held at Roseville City Hall.

If the Council eventually approves that entire increase, the city levy would rise from $14.7 million to more than $15.4 million.

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City staff prepared six “decision packages,” or budget areas, for Council members to consider as part of deliberations scheduled to begin June 13.

Those packages, listed in order of size, are:  $400,000 for vehicle and equipment replacement; $101,000 for employee cost of living and healthcare expenses; $60,000 for new contractual obligations for dispatch, legal and audit services; $46,000 for motor fuel and energy-related costs; $20,000 to cover inflation in the costs of supply and maintenance materials and $16,000 for property, casualty and workers compensation premiums.

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The preliminary impact would increase city taxes  by $1 a month on a $250,000 residence, according to city documents. And the monthly levy increase rises to $1.60 on a $400,000 home and $3.20 for an $800,000 residence.

Mayor Dan Roe emphasized the $643,000 in levy increases represents a starting point in the long process of creating Roseville’s 2012 budget.

Roe and Council members Jeff Johnson and Tammy McGehee questioned whether the city had to levy the additional preliminary amount. Despite city documents that indicate the extra revenue is needed for capital infrastructure projects, Council members appeared unwilling to approve the entire preliminary levy amount.

McGehee said a tax capacity study should be conducted to determine a tax cap for Roseville households. She said Roseville is at a crossroads. “We don’t want to raise taxes and still cut services,” she said.

Roseville has tightened its budget over the years, eliminating or not filling 10 full-time positions since 2004 to save an estimated $605,000 a year, according to city documents.

The state budget crisis, which has resulted in local government cutbacks to large and small cities in Minnesota, has not contributed to Roseville’s budget problems. Roe said Roseville receives no local government aid.

City, school district and county taxes make up most of Roseville homeowners’ property tax bills.

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