Politics & Government

Mayor Rybak: No Property Tax Increase

After suggesting earlier the 2012 budget proposal would contain a 2 percent property tax increase, Rybak now says he'll hold the line.

This afternoon, Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak delivered welcome news for all Southwest Minneapolis homeowners as he outlined his proposed 2012 budget in the former Grain Exchange. Despite  in property taxes, he said his budget will call for no rise in taxes for the next four years.

"Our property taxes are simply too high," Rybak repeated again and again during his speech.

However, due to the state Legislature's elimination of the market value homestead tax credit, many Southwest residents will see their property taxes rise.

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapoliswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While specifics are not set to be released until today at the earliest, Rybak acknowledged his budget will contain numerous "difficult cuts" to accommodate new investment in economic development, road repair, and a promise of no new layoffs among front-line police officers or firefighters. Rybak also announced the launch of an initiative to address income inequality between the city's white and non-white citizens, using job creation and economic development in the city's poor neighborhoods

Rybak also praised his administration's efforts to stabilize the city's finances, pointing to a $183 million reduction in city debt. This breathing space, Rybak said, would help fund a $50 million, bond-funded road repair initiative.

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapoliswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Reaction to Rybak's proposals was generally positive.

"While zero percent (increase) is good for taxpayers, it creates a tight box" for policy makers, said City Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden (Ward 8).

"We've been in a 'tight box' for 10 years now," said Councilmember Betsy Hodges (Ward 13). "It's only now becoming apparent to residents because we've done a damn good job balancing cuts and services, and prioritizing maintenance of the services on which people depend."

The Board of Estimation and Taxation will meet tonight to vote on Rybak's proposal after a brief public hearing.


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