Fixing roads, supporting growth in St. Paul

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman calls the recently approved 2015 city budget a "keep the momentum going" spending plan, in part because it will help fund amenities such as bike paths and expanded green space.

Although this page is disappointed that the budget OK'd this week by the City Council will require a 2.4 percent property tax levy increase, the council's support for most of Coleman's budget wish list is an indication that city leaders are on the same page.

The $103.6 million levy translates into about a $16 tax hike on a median-valued St. Paul home of $145,000, not including tax increases due to property-value shifts and taxes imposed by the county and the school district.

Given Coleman's flat levy proposal last year — and residents' concerns about rising taxes — we had hoped that trend could continue. However, the 2.4 percent levy increase will close a $9.6 million deficit and fix a number of city streets that are desperately in need of repair.

The mayor and council did differ on one issue: The council approved using $345,000 in economic development funds to expand library hours. Coleman says he will use his veto pen on that item — not because he opposes more library hours, but because he disagrees on the funding source. The funds come from a one-time-use pot of money, and he is concerned that the city might not be able to sustain the additional hours in years to come.

Coleman likely will lose that argument, though, because the council approved the measure on a veto-proof 6-1 vote.

It's encouraging to see that the $515 million budget includes $54 million for road repair, including fixing what Coleman calls the "Terrible 20.'' That nickname refers to 20 major, heavily traveled city roads that were in terrible condition after last year's severe winter. The funds will be used to repair some of the streets and replace the worst ones.

But the mayor successfully argued that these kinds of amenities are necessary to attract and keep younger workers and families, as well as active older residents, in the city. That's true, and like Minneapolis, St. Paul needs the population growth.

Still, spending on amenities must be balanced against holding the line on city taxes and fees. Over the years, rising property taxes in St. Paul and Minneapolis have hurt both cities' efforts to retain and attract residents. But both cities must also fund strong police and fire departments and invest in infrastructure.

The council approved Coleman's formula of $5.6 million in new revenues, including state aid and higher inspection fees, along with $4 million in spending cuts through staff attrition. No layoffs or reductions in sworn police and fire personnel are expected.

The city will also spend $1.1 million on an additional ladder truck for the fire department and $300,000 for more library materials. About $500,000 is allocated to repair the RiverCentre parking ramp, $50,000 to expand the Children's Museum and $25,000 to subsidize low-income families' use of city pools.