Mayor favors board's demise

Last update: October 30, 2009 - 9:10 PM

As mayor, R.T. Rybak has a seat on the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation, but he favors turning over the board's functions to the City Council. That might improve his attendance record.

According to board records, Rybak has attended only five of 13 meetings this year of the board that sets a maximum property levy, borrows money and oversees city audits. And he often has left early from meetings he does attend.

Rybak's spokesman, Jeremy Hanson, responded: "While the BET's annual vote on taxes is important and noteworthy, much of the BET's other work is important, but fairly routine. ... Mayor Rybak has a very busy schedule with many important initiatives on which he is working to advance. When he is not able to attend BET meetings, Mayor Rybak is represented by staff and works with other members of the BET to ensure that the necessary quorum is met to process the required work."

STEVE BRANDT

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