RE: [Mpls] property taxes(Theft by government)

[emily rose]

Last evening, November 12th, I attended the public forum called "Follow the Money (aka Budgeting 101)" at SW High School. CM Barret Lane (my Council Member), CM Scott Benson (Ward 11) and Tammy Omdal, Budget Director for the City were the main presenters.

What an eye-opener. I do not like the impact on my property taxes which are going up dramatically over the next several years, but at least I now have a better understanding of the process.

My summary: The current Mayor and Council, particularly in my opinion CM Lane, have changed the budgeting process, have taken a long-term view of the current problems, and have made hard decisions on fixing the problem. It appears the incumbents have a long-term vision and plan to manage the financial issues related to the general fund and property taxes ( the primary source of revenue for the general fund. )

For those of you on this list, I strongly recommend you attend any such forum that might be put on again. I learned about and now fear the Board of Estimate and Taxation or BET (only two of seven members are elected at large), the Mpls budget cycle, the 10-year projection of demands on our property tax levy, and the probable need to triple property taxes between now and 2010 just to pay off debts and fund all that the city now does through the general fund even with the 8% levy policy of the BET.

And here is my political dig: The DFL - created chickens from past mayors and city council members have come home to roost. Its payback time.


Floyd Child
Ward 13, Precinct 10 - Kenny Neighborhood

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