The Minneapolis City Council passed its 2013 budget with little controversy on Wednesday night, raising city property taxes by about 1.77 percent.

With a 3 percent decrease in expenses from 2012, the $1.085 billion budget passed unanimously.

One of the budget's most significant changes is a complete reconfiguration of the city's regulatory services department, which oversees inspections, licensing and permits. Many of that department's core services will move to Community Planning and Economic Development, already one of the city government's most powerful wings.

The City Council affirmed most of Mayor R.T. Rybak's spending choices, but also moved some money around to accommodate their own priorities.

Council members took some funds allocated to human resources to help pay for two additional 911 operators, for example. Staffing at the city's 911 center was scrutinized this fall when several people tried unsuccessfully to call for help during the workplace shooting at Accent Signage.

The city's 1.77 percent levy increase is among several city residents will see on their tax bill this year. On Tuesday night, the school board approved a 4 percent hike and Hennepin County approved a levy increase of .93 percent. The Park Board approved a levy increase of 3 percent on Wednesday night. The mayor's office said that 70 percent of homeowners will see either no increase or a decrease in their city property tax payment this year.

ERIC ROPER