Roseville Council Discussion Continues on Proposed 2012 Levy

Discussion of higher 2012 city taxes and a huge projected gap in capital improvement spending over the next 20 years dominated Monday’s Roseville City Council meeting.

Council member Jeff Johnson suggested a 3.4 percent boost in Roseville’s $14.7 million 2011 levy for 2012, or about $500,000, to help keep up with rising costs for city equipment and increases in employee wages and health care premiums.

A  motion to continue that discussion on increasing city taxes about $20 for an average-priced Roseville home eventually passed – but not before talk of a subsequent increase in 2013 was shot down because it was not on the Council agenda. The council has yet to set a 2012 levy and is waiting for a resolution of the state budget impasse. 

“This is a starting point," Roseville Mayor Dan Roe said of  the proposed 2012  tax  levy. He was referring to the suggested 3.4 percent tax levy increase. 

Council members were presented information, from staff reports, regarding projected capital improvement project costs over the next 20 years for such big-ticket items as water and sewer improvements, a new fire station, street repair and maintenance of city paths and walkways.

Total capital improvement needs through the year 2031 are projected at $218 million, according to city staff reports. Of that total, $148 million, or 68.9 percent, is un-funded at current property tax rates.

“Obviously some things are going to have to change,” said Roseville City Manager Bill Malinen. “There are things on the capital (improvement) side that really need doing.”

Malinen is scheduled to present a preliminary 2012 budget at the Council’s July 11 meeting.