Roseville Council Passes HRA Levy

The Roseville City Council voted to approve a $350,000 Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy on Monday.

Roseville homeowners will pay $14 to $23 in 2012, depending on the value of their homes. The cost to homeowners is identical to that of the 2011 HRA levy.

The levy passed 4-0, with council member Tammy McGehee abstaining.

“Right now the HRA has on hand 239,000 and 145,000 in reserves,” McGehee said. “Yes, it’s a zero percent increase, but it’s still 353,000 the citizens have to spend in a year where they’re already struggling. [The HRA] might be able to get by for a year [with less funds] and save the people a little bit.”

Council member Tammy Pust said the reserves weren’t from taxes and were designed to give loans to keep people in their homes.

“I think they should be commended for keeping the increase at zero percent,” she said.

The HRA’s mission, according to its website, is to:

• Preserve existing and develop new housing through partnerships with other agencies, private and non-profit businesses
• Provide a balance of housing in price and product type to meet life cycle needs of the community
• Preserve quality neighborhoods by developing sustainable solutions to housing through green building initiatives
• Develop and promote programs to provide choice and diversity in housing options