The St. Paul City Council and Mayor Chris Coleman agreed Wednesday to shave the city's levy increase to 4.9 percent, to maintain seven library positions and perhaps restore some money to the Fire Department.
The mayor initially proposed a 6.5 percent levy increase, but he dropped the number to 5.5 percent on Monday after the city collected more revenue than expected through the fall.
Under the plan unanimously adopted by the council, the owner of a $149,300 home will pay $34 more in taxes next year. With fee increases for sewer, water, rights of way and recycling, the homeowner will pay an extra $108 next year on top of the $1,321 paid in taxes and fees in 2011.
Council President Kathy Lantry said the council agreed with Coleman on most items in the $600 million budget. "I'm hopeful the priorities we've set out will be implemented by the mayor," Lantry said.
The council unanimously approved a series of actions required to adopt the budget. Members said the budget struck an admittedly painful balance between trying to hold down tax increases while maintaining services such as public safety and libraries. Keeping the library positions will allow longer hours at some facilities.
St. Paul has a strong-mayor system so Coleman has discretion in whether to follow the council. Although he agreed to the levy increase, he said staff must review the entire package.
The Fire Department budget remained the most notable disagreement between Coleman and the council. The final resolution remained unknown late Wednesday.
Coleman initially slated the agency for a $400,000 cut in overtime. The council restored the money. He also wanted to take out of service one of the city's three specialized rescue squads that handle hazardous material incidents and rescues from wells.
