Residents can put in 2 cents on increase in property tax

Upset about your potential property tax hike? Minneapolis offers a chance for people to comment before setting its maximum levy.

By STEVE BRANDT, Star Tribune

Last update: August 24, 2009 - 11:15 PM

Minneapolis residents and property owners get their earliest and best chance on Wednesday to influence the size of the property tax increase they will face in 2010.

That's when the city's little-known Board of Estimate and Taxation holds its annual public hearing on setting the city's maximum property levy for taxes payable next year. It is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. in room 317 of City Hall.

Mayor R.T. Rybak has proposed an 11.3 percent levy increase to $276.7 million. Last year, Rybak proposed a tax increase of 6.9 percent, but the board set an 8 percent maximum increase, consistent with the city's long-term policy. The extra cushion came in handy when the city's state aid was cut and the council ended up approving the maximum allowed by the board.

Unlike later City Council budget hearings, the board hearing on Wednesday comes early in the city process, before the City Council's Budget Committee has held hearings on individual departments. The next chance for the public to comment on the budget will come at 6:05 p.m. on Nov. 19. Unlike past years, that is before the Budget Committee begins to amend the mayor's budget rather than afterward, and conforms to a new legislative mandate.

Although the board has scheduled the hearing in the more spacious City Council chambers, rather than the 20-person conference room in which it usually meets, history suggests turnout will be low -- maybe one or two people. That's because the board has a low profile and because the factors influencing the budget are complex, said board President Jill Schwimmer.

The board is slated to wait to vote on the maximum levy on Sept. 9. It could be the last time the board's current membership determines the maximum levy. A referendum proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot would shift board responsibilities to the council.

Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438

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