ST PAUL, Minn. — The St. Paul City Council unanimously approved an $820 million budget Wednesday, which includes a 3.7% property tax levy increase.
Despite the increase, however, city officials said that its share of property taxes will decrease by $26 for the median homeowner in 2024 due to a shift in values across Ramsey County.
The levy, which city officials say is the second-lowest proposed tax levy in Ramsey County, was an area of concern for some residents, especially after voters approved a 1% sales tax hike earlier this year to pay for roads and parks. During a public hearing Tuesday night, some St. Paul residents expressed their concerns with the levy, with one single-income homeowner calling it "too much for me to bear."
Council President Amy Brendmoen said the entire council was mindful of the property tax burden, which is much lower than last year's 15% hike.
"We really wanted it to be as low as possible, especially with our sales tax initiative on the ballot," Brendmoen said in an interview Tuesday. "Just know this council has spent the last three-and-a-half months combing over every piece of the budget to try to fund what we know are people's priorities without adding to the property tax load."
The budget also includes funding for four additional positions with the St. Paul Fire Department and two full-time public safety officers. It also includes investments of $500,000 for street lights and copper wire thefts, and another $500,000 for libraries.
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