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Minnesota cities struggle with new austerity and its effect on taxes and services

The ax or the tax? That's increasingly the question before cities, schools and counties in Minnesota as a tougher government spending environment plays out against a backdrop of a struggling economy.

This Minnesota Public Radio News Ground Level special project shows the dilemma residents and leaders are coping with and the resolutions they are finding.

Forced to Choose
Looking for dollars, Minn. cities turn to sales tax

Looking for dollars, Minn. cities turn to sales tax

The city of Lanesboro is implementing a local sales tax in order to help pay for infrastructure projects, like repairs to the city's dam and hydroelectric plant, and to make improvements to its community center and library.
Policing gets scrutiny as cities scour budgets

Policing gets scrutiny as cities scour budgets

After whittling away at other services in response to reduced state aid, a struggling economy and declining property values, Minnesota cities are even asking just how much law enforcement they need.
Assessment challenges grow, add to budget pressure

Assessment challenges grow, add to budget pressure

Cities, counties and school districts in Minnesota are paying out tens of millions of dollars this year because property owners are increasingly challenging their assessments in court.
In Brooklyn Park, tight budget spurs unionization effort

In Brooklyn Park, tight budget spurs unionization effort

Brooklyn Park could become the first city in Minnesota with a union representing its part-time firefighters. If the unionization effort succeeds, it probably won't be the last.
Paying for past choices: Cities struggle with infrastructure

Paying for past choices: Cities struggle with infrastructure

Many cities are stuck with unfinished housing projects, empty industrial parks and infrastructure expansions that once looked promising but now feel burdensome.
Small towns are often 'just one disaster away'

Small towns are often 'just one disaster away'

Tough economic times are forcing cities of all stripes to re-examine how they spend tax dollars. In Floodwood, many worry their actual existence is endangered.
Growing quickly, Austin schools expect close vote on expansion

Growing quickly, Austin schools expect close vote on expansion

Unlike most outstate Minnesota school districts, Austin's is growing and it has placed before voters a $29 million expansion plan. Officials are expecting a close vote.
Nowthen voters will weigh price of public safety

Nowthen voters will weigh price of public safety

The people of Nowthen, a city northwest of Minneapolis, have a choice to make this year: increase taxes or sacrifice police service.
Cash-strapped cities cut library services

Cash-strapped cities cut library services

Looking to save money, cities are scaling back libraries by cutting hours, staff and acquisitions.
With budgets under pressure, cities fray at the edge

With budgets under pressure, cities fray at the edge

Making ends meet while keeping taxes down has led mayors and city planners to look hard at their budgets and make choices.
Tax hike saddles business, property owners

Tax hike saddles business, property owners

Chris Keenan has run a small cabinet-making business here for nearly 35 years, but the recession cut work and forced layoffs. Now, like businesses all over Minnesota, he's facing another blow with a property tax hike next year.
For Grand Rapids, cash crunch spurs innovative ways to save

For Grand Rapids, cash crunch spurs innovative ways to save

The Legislature's decision to cut local government aid funding has compelled local officials across Minnesota to find ways to slash budgets and become more efficient. Grand Rapids is leading the way, trimming the budget, lowering property taxes and avoiding major cuts in services.
Property taxes poised to push up rents in Minn.

Property taxes poised to push up rents in Minn.

If you rent an apartment in Minnesota, there's a good chance your rent will go up next year. High demand and the fewest vacancies in 10 years are two big reasons. But a state change in property taxes is another big factor.
from the Ground Level Blog
Summing it up
Overgrown hockey rink, Duluth, Minn.

Forced to choose, communities raise taxes, cut jobs

Tax hikes and job cuts are two main themes emerging from recent trends and decisions Minnesota's 3,200 cities, counties, townships and school districts have been making the past several months.

Reporters' Takeaway

Changing definition of community

by Dave Peters

Surprising depth of agonizing

by Curtis Gilbert

Necessity spurs government reinvention

by Jennifer Vogel

Question of survival

by Tom Robertson

Primer

What is putting so much financial pressure on local governments in Minnesota?

A primer on why local governments in Minnesota are feeling pressure and what they're doing about it. Learn more »

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