Three Rivers Park District, which is supported by suburban Hennepin County property-tax payers, has decided not to increase its tax levy for 2011.

Noting "the economic challenges confronting taxpayers," the district's board unanimously agreed last week to a flat tax levy of just over $40 million for next year -- the same as this year. All units of government are required to set a preliminary levy limit by Sept. 15.

Keeping the parks safe and well-maintained will continue to be a high priority for the district, board chairman Larry Blackstad said. Three Rivers expects more than 8 million visits next year to the 27,000 acres of park land it owns.

District salary scales have been frozen to help hold the levy steady. Annual cost-of-living increases were not offered in 2010 and are proposed to be eliminated in 2011 as well.

The district also has developed other revenue sources, including user fees for golf courses, campgrounds and boat rentals, Blackstad said. "More and more people are visiting our parks and paying for the services they want to use. These measures have helped us reduce the park district's reliance on revenue from property taxes."

The total market value for suburban Hennepin County has dropped by 7 percent for 2011, according to the district. That follows a 3.8 percent drop in total value this year.

LAURIE BLAKE