Capitol Review

Local Legislators Key in on GOP Budget Bills as Deadlines Loom

Koch and McDonald join Minnesota Republicans in House and Senate to pitch $34 billion budget, which would include deep cuts statewide.

 The Minnesota Senate, led by Sen. Amy Koch of Wright County, along with the Minnesota House, including District 19B Rep. Joe McDonald, both pitched bills that would cut deeper than Gov. Mark Dayton’s proposals last month. Republican majorities in both the Minnesota House and Senate approved preliminary budgets that call for the state to collect $34 billion in revenue, adding money to what Sen. Amy Koch (R, Buffalo) called the “state checkbook” in hopes to not only solve the state’s $5 billion problem, but to help stem shortages in the future. But that will come at a huge price, opposing lawmakers from the Minnesota DFL said, as cuts in higher education, local government aid and health and human services budgets pour salt into deep wounds …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (3)

St. Michael City Council Set to Act on 2011 Budget, Levy

The council will also decide on cost-saving measures proposed by city administrator Bob Derus, including a reduction in staff hours and mandated furloughs.

St. Michael City Council members will take action on the 2011 general fund levy and the 2011 final budget at tonight's meeting, setting a financial course for the next year in St. Michael. The general levy will be set at $4.9 million at the most. The council can go down from the preliminary number it approved at past meetings, but cannot raise the levy, per state law. That levy will cost the average homeowner (valued at $197,300) $636 annually, or $53 per month. The general fund would increase by less than 2 percent from last year, mostly due to payments on the new St. Michael City Center, as well as a pair of tax abatements approved in 2010. The council will also decide on two measures proposed budget levy within arms reach of the desired…

• Photos (1)

St. Michael, Albertville to Raise Levies in 2011

Albertville approved its final budget for 2011 Monday, Dec. 6. St. Michael will follow on Tuesday. Both communities will see an increase in spending next year.

The mission during the budget process this fall for both St. Michael and Albertville was to hold the line on spending as much as possible. Yet, both communities will raise their levies for 2011. St. Michael is forecasting a 2 percent increase; Albertville levies will go up about 5 percent.  The Albertville City Council should approve a levy of about $3.1 million for taxes payable in 2011. St. Michael's budget calls for $5.5 million in spending next year, up from $5.3 million in 2010. Albertville's increase is driven by payments to improve Wright County Road 19, a project that widened the roadway in the city from two lanes to four in 2007 and 2008. Payments from a special levy to pay for that project will increase, following a payment …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)