A group of Roseville citizens seeking to stop the city from issuing $27 million in bonds without holding a referendum will get their day in court.

Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Matthew Johnson on Wednesday denied the city's request to dismiss the suit filed by Responsible Governance for Roseville.

The group of eight residents had sought a temporary injunction to prevent Roseville from issuing general obligation bonds through the city's Port Authority. The proceeds would be used to finance reconstruction of a fire station and to upgrade parks.

A Ramsey County District Court judge earlier this month denied the group's request for the injunction. The court also told Responsible Governance for Roseville that the lawsuit would be dismissed if it failed to put up a $680,000 bond to cover potential damages that could result from granting an injunction.

The group filed its appeal on Dec. 9.

Arguments have been set for Feb. 8 at the Minnesota Judicial Center in St. Paul.

TIM HARLOW