St. Michael City Council Approves Slight Increase in Levy

The St. Michael City Council last week unanimously approved a 2.99 percent increase in the property tax levy as part of its 2013 budget at its regular meeting.

Depending on changes in a property's market value, and the statewide changes in homestead exclusions, homeowners will see either an increase or decrease in their city property taxes that could be more or less than the 2.99 percent levy increase, according to Steve Bot, city administrator, engineer and public works director.

The increase is intended to cover increases to infrastructure, public safety and equipment replacement.

Paying off debt service for Highway 241, the one-way pair, and the Town Center civic building are the primary parts of the infrastructure payments.

"The city had originally planned to fund these projects with revenues from new development," Bot stated. "However, with the recession, there has been minimal new development, so the city has had to make up the difference with general levy."

Also at the meeting, newly-elected Minnesota House Representative for District 30B David FitzSimmons told the council he will be on the transportation committee and will work hard to advance the Interstate 94 expansion project, according to meeting minutes provided by City Clerk Diana Berning. He said he's "ready to go to bat for St. Michael."

Newly elected Wright County Commissioners Mike Potter and Mark Daleiden will represent St. Michael and introduced themselves at the meeting.

Both said they understand the importance of the I-94 project and will work to have the county more involved with the expansion project.

Daleiden told the council he aims to see things grow and change, and keep taxes low.

Potter said he will try to get on the transportation and economic committees.