[Mpls] Property Tax Increases and SnowMN

[Bensonale]

With regard to the discussion of individual property tax increases considerably exceeding the 8% levy increase cap and Sheldon Mains' observation concerning the fact that this relates to the 2001 Tax Act, there are two excellent articles in Tax Facts, a publication of the Property Tax Study Project, which I recommend.  The first is at http://www.mncn.org/bp/TFv4n4.pdf.  The article essentially describes (in great detail, I should warn you) how the 2001 Tax Act both shifted the property tax burden from commercial and industrial properties to residential properties and began the phase out of limited market value, thereby resulting in double digit property tax increases for residential property owners.  The latest issue of Tax Facts explains how St. Paul residential property tax owners will see significant property tax increases without any increase in their levy:  http://www.mncn.org/bp/TFv4n6.pdf.

I also can't resist entering into the snowmen debate.  The action taken by the two Council committees (which followed the recommendations of both the Arts Commission and the Planning Commission) provided that the City would not agree to the placing of these fiberglass snowmen on the public right of way.  The action does not affect private property owners who want to support the project or who are enamored with the snowmen or who want to impress greater Minnesota with our artistic sensibilities.  Private property owners may place snowmen on their own properties.

Scott Benson
Council Member
Ward 11