DULUTH — Duluth voters could be considering a bigger tax to support the city's 129 parks come November.
Mayor Emily Larson last week laid out a proposal that would change the current voter-approved fixed amount sent to a parks fund each year to one generated from a percentage of property values.
"While property values have risen and the cost of supporting parks has increased," she wrote to city council members, "this funding mechanism has not."
In 2011, voters approved a property tax increase meant to supplement parks funding. The annual $2.6 million doesn't go as far as it did then, Larson said. The total $6.5 million in funds dedicated to parks struggles to keep pace with maintenance and facility upkeep as inflation increases costs, she said. Additional funding would allow the city to invest in deteriorating community centers, playgrounds and athletic facilities. If voters agree to the change, 2023 property tax proceeds for parks would grow to $4.2 million, in addition to other parks funding.
The change from a fixed dollar amount to a fixed percentage would have tax collection vary in line with property values, and the rate would initially restore the fund to what property owners first paid in 2012. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay an additional $36 for parks in 2023.
The council on Monday voted to alter Larson's proposal, approving an amendment that puts a 25-year end date on not only the potential increase but the current parks tax.
The general city property tax levy for the coming year is still unknown, said councilor Roz Randorf, who offered the amendment. This tax increase would be "on top of that," she said.
Randorf said she was concerned about legislation being "forever" and was still uncomfortable with 25 years. But she acknowledged the value of city parks to residents, especially those with low incomes.