Video & Transcript Research : 'mill levy'
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 23, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Short, either a mill levy, something like that.
- Short, uh either<00:41:33.760>
a <00:41:33.920>mill <00:41:34.160>levy, something - district which you can add from two to district which you can add from two to four<00:42:54.400>
mills - <00:42:55.839>
Um, <00:42:56.160>again, <00:42:56.480>that's four mills on that - Um, again, that's four mills on that.
Bills:
HB0004
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you have the power to set a mill levy or something, say, to clean out a county drain or a county assessed
- So can a county stop a watershed levy?
- Levi, do you have some information for us? Yeah. Thank you, Mr.
- Thanks, Levi. All right.
- If you think of something, please let us know, let me know, and Levi and, or Dustin and Levi as well.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (6-24-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Mills here, Senator Rawlings here, Senator Tishner, Representative Balman, Representative Bray
- First, we have Senator Mills. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And welcome everybody back.
- As of January 2025, 87 counties levy an occupational license fee; 70 also collect on that other option
- <01:21:54.480>
an <01:21:54.719>occupational uh, 87 counties levy an occupational uh - use<01:24:15.520>
a <01:24:15.679>risk As of FY 2026, there are 50 counties that levy
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:11
Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42
Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48
Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09
Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33
Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer.
The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control.
Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 14, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The Florida Department of Citrus receives revenue from assessments levied on each box of citrus that
- Some of the mills are shut down, or the last one shut down there, and so we are looking for new opportunities
- things in our forestry and forest products we took some big hits in the last few years some of the mills
Summary:
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process.
Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales.
Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 16, February 27, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Number Three, Revenue, to whom was referred House Bill 127, engrossed voter approval for recreation mill
- levy, respectfully report the same back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass as amended
- Senator Mchuan, chairman. recreation mill lev mill levy. recreation mill lev mill levy. respectfully<
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 063 Mar 18th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We had a mill levy that went to our road and bridge fund, and we received HUTF funds.
- We had a mill levy that went to our road and bridge fund, and we received HUTF funds.
- And then at that point I do understand uh a little bit more at least levying a fine structure and going
- <01:30:33.600>
a <01:30:33.840>fine bit more at least levying a fine bit more at least - levying a fine structure<01:30:34.560>
and <01:30:34.880>going <01:30:35.040>to
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of interest, certainly, with the data center community, because that is among the most frequently levied
- Okay, Chair calls **Barksdale English**, **Christine Mills**, **Jurek**, maybe, **Deborah Knight**.
- I'm Christy Mills-Durak.
- I'm Christy Mills-Durak.
- I'm Christy Mills-Durak.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, in my previous communities, such as Adams, with limited levy capacity and capital funds,
- Costs for a simple mill and fill are about $300,000 a mile.
- That would be a mill and fill, chip seal two miles, crack seal, and paint our lines every year, which
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held its first hearing of the session on H. 53, Governor Healey’s Chapter 90 proposal to increase state funding for municipal roads, bridges, sidewalks, and culverts. Committee chairs outlined the hybrid hearing process and invited testimony from municipal officials, labor groups, regional planning organizations, contractors, and administration officials. Across the hearing, speakers consistently supported the bill, emphasizing long-deferred maintenance, inflation in construction costs, climate-related flooding, and the need for more predictable, multi-year funding so cities and towns can plan projects and take advantage of the construction season.
The administration described H. 53 as part of a broader $8 billion transportation package, proposing to raise annual Chapter 90 funding from $200 million to $300 million for five years, with the additional $100 million distributed by road mileage to better support rural and small communities. They also highlighted $200 million for culverts and small bridges, plus other transportation investments, and said the five-year authorization would provide certainty for municipal capital planning. Municipal witnesses from places including Carlisle, Beverly, Granby, Hatfield, Newton, Nahant, Gardner, Beckett, and Yarmouth described local road and culvert backlogs, rising asphalt costs, and the difficulty of maintaining infrastructure on limited local budgets.
Labor and industry witnesses from the AFL-CIO and MAPA said the bill would support good-paying jobs and provide stability for contractors and producers. The MBTA Advisory Board and regional planning representatives also backed the proposal, noting the connection between local roads and the broader transportation system. Committee members asked questions about the road-mile formula, culvert needs, asphalt costs, and the rationale for a five-year authorization. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 4th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Default judgments can have devastating consequences for defendants, leading to garnished wages, levy
- Default judgments can have devastating consequences for defendants, leading to garnished wages, levy
- They lost their livelihoods, their homes, and their loved ones, and the catastrophic Dixie and Mill wildfires
- Assembly Bill 429 exempts settlements for losses from the Dixie and Mill fire wildfires from state tax
Summary:
The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file of bills. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules for AB 1219, followed by consideration of numerous measures on housing, veterans, education, elections, energy, wildfire prevention, public safety, and consumer affordability. Several bills drew bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly, including AB 878 on safety accommodations for survivors of violence, AB 948 on school district facility maintenance, AB 81 and AB 88 on veterans’ mental health and student aid, AB 640 on school board fiscal training, AB 660 on housing permit timelines, AB 1048 on workers’ compensation billing disputes, AB 1119 on dual credentialing, AB 1172 on inhalable anti-seizure medication access, AB 1227 on wildfire prevention, AB 1285 and AB 696 on lithium-ion battery safety, AB 1417 on offshore wind transparency, AB 1530 on disaster recovery assistance, and AB 353 on affordable home internet. Some measures drew opposition or more divided votes, including AB 704 on sealing certain misdemeanor records, AB 1249 on early voting access, AB 1280 on thermal energy incentives, AB 1448 on offshore oil protections, AB 380 on price gouging, AB 402 on Cal Grant increases, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification, and AB 1084 on expedited gender-change and name-change court orders. The Assembly also granted reconsideration on AB 435, a child passenger safety bill, and passed it after debate on the five-step safety-seat standard.
The floor debate featured recurring themes of affordability, housing, wildfire preparedness, election access, veterans’ services, and public safety. Supporters of the election bill AB 1249 argued it would simply add a Saturday early-voting option in non-VCA counties, while opponents raised concerns about verification and county staffing. AB 30, authorizing E15 gasoline in California, was presented as an urgency measure to lower fuel costs and passed unanimously on the urgency and the bill. AB 1466 on groundwater disputes was also taken up, with the author arguing it would reduce frivolous litigation and better represent all water users; the vote was 42 ayes and 17 noes. After completing the file, the Assembly recessed for lunch, later returned, and continued with additional file items, with many measures passing on strong bipartisan votes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- buildings, cotton gins, livestock markets, which is defined in our agricultural code, or commercial feed mills
- , it's 4 miles away in Rockwall, but to the citizens it makes very little sense then why would you levy
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here because our only son, Braun Levy, 18,000.
- Levy, right? Levy. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm terrible with names. Everyone doesn't. Ms.
- Levy, I have just one question for you.
- Levy dozens and dozens and dozens of times.
- Levy and every other advocate who is here.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Increasing expenses on a handful of targeted large companies by levying more and new taxes will only
- Increasing expenses on a handful of targeted large companies by levying more and new taxes will only
- So smoking and alcohol is one example of taxes that we levy because there are social costs.
- So smoking and alcohol is one example of taxes that we levy because there are social costs.
- >
to <01:01:00.160>do Senator Mill, they're required to do Senator Mill, they're required
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Elkins, present, Senator Haron, Senator Maiden, Senator Maize Bledsoe, Senator McDaniel, Senator Mills
- McDaniel, >> Senator McDaniel, >> Senator McDaniel, >> Senator<00:02:03.040>
Mills - <00:02:03.759>
here, >> Senator Mills here, >> Senator Mills here, >> Senator - I was at Levi Jackson yesterday. Kent, Boonboro I... for calculating some things.
- I was at Levi state parks all the time. I was at Levi Jackson<01:44:14.560>
yesterday.
Keywords:
Discussion of SB 126 (2025 RS) 00:05:13
Discussion of HB 16 (2025 RS) 00:15:40
Kentucky Department of Parks – Overview 01:05:06, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met jointly for State Government, State and Local Government, and Elections and Constitutional Amendments, approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting, and then took up discussion of Senate Bill 126, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power. Senator Chris McDaniel said the measure was prompted by concerns over pardons issued in 2019 and would bar pardons for 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the swearing-in of a new governor, leaving the power otherwise intact. Members who spoke generally supported the proposal as a way to increase accountability, and McDaniel said he intended to place it on the 2026 ballot. No vote was taken on the bill during the discussion.
The committee then moved to House Bill 16 on water fluoridation. Representative Hart and Senator Greg Elkins said the bill would remove Kentucky’s fluoridation mandate and give local water districts the choice to add fluoride or not. They emphasized that the revised draft also adds immunity language to protect districts from civil litigation regardless of their decision. Dr. Jack Call, a Louisville dentist, presented against fluoridation, arguing that the main dental benefit is topical rather than from drinking water and citing studies and reports he said linked fluoride exposure to reduced IQ in children and other health concerns. Cindy Batson, a nurse and parent, also supported the bill and said she had testified on the issue for years.
During questions, Senator Rollins raised concerns about fluoride being an industrial byproduct and described fluoridation as forced medication. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s local-control and immunity provisions, with sponsors saying they were not trying to relitigate the broader science but wanted to remove the mandate. The transcript ends while questions and testimony on HB 16 were still underway, and no final committee action is shown.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the more that goes on, the more revenue the county loses, to the point where we're maxed out in our mills
- that goes on, the more revenue the county loses is to the point where, and we're maxed out in our mills
- as some background for the committee and for others, I believe there are nine or ten counties that levy
- as some background for the committee and for others, I believe there are nine or ten counties that levy
Summary:
The meeting focused heavily on behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially the IMD exclusion and whether North Dakota should pursue a Section 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in institutions for mental diseases for adults ages 21 to 64. Turtle Mountain representatives described major local needs, including limited access to care, high syphilis rates, and the importance of timely public health data. They also discussed the tribe’s recovery center, which opened the prior year, now operating five levels of care with 16 beds, and the desire to expand capacity, possibly through an IMD waiver or related policy changes. Committee members also raised related issues such as rural health transformation funding, telehealth, workforce retention, and the need for better coordination between tribal and state public health systems.
A central issue was Turtle Mountain Public Health’s long-running effort to secure a data use agreement with the state so it can receive surveillance data and respond directly to infectious disease cases among tribal members. Speakers said the tribe had a successful COVID-era agreement that allowed faster contact tracing and case management, but that agreement ended with the pandemic. They argued that current delays in sharing data, especially for sexually transmitted infections, leave the tribe unable to respond quickly, while the state and county epidemiology workload is too distant and stretched to be effective. Committee members expressed support and said they would look into the issue, noting that other tribes have secured similar agreements.
The committee also heard a detailed presentation from the National Health Law Program on the IMD exclusion. The presenter explained that federal Medicaid law generally bars payment for care in facilities with more than 16 beds, but that states can use other tools such as state plan amendments, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He said IMD waivers are administratively complex, time-limited, and have shown mixed results in other states, with some gains in residential treatment access but limited evidence of improved overdose outcomes or stronger community-based care. He urged the committee to consider broader continuum-of-care solutions and cautioned that waivers alone are not a cure-all.
No final vote was taken on the bill draft during the portion shown, but the committee discussed the proposal to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE to HHS to pursue an IMD waiver and report back in the next interim. Members also debated the policy rationale for the 16-bed limit, the role of the state versus tribal sovereignty, and whether the bill should move through the Health Care or Human Services committee in the future.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The sub-district intends to levy its taxes on May 13, but from a timing perspective, it was necessary
- believe they have any other facilities at this point other than the convention center and the sugar mill
Summary:
The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted.
The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month.
Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The sub-district intends to levy its taxes on May 13, but from a timing perspective, it was necessary
- believe they have any other facilities at this point other than the convention center and the sugar mill
Summary:
The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement.
The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment.
A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections.
Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means May 30th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- My first question was going to be the mill assessment and how that would impact ratepayers.
- So I think it's just related to the mill assessment in general and what you stated.
- So I think it's just related to the mill assessment in general and what you stated.
- Can you just kind of educate me and the committee more broadly about the mill assessment?
- levied by the commission.
Bills:
AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495
Keywords:
higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Dec 16th, 2025 at 09:08 am
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- this bill, and the one that had the most impact with the state, gave away its 11.275 property tax mills
- having is as land values go up in demand. for some of these, especially irrigated land places like the Mill
- This will be levied on All goods, wares, and merchandises contained in the statements that are required
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- submitted by a school board, as described in Section 2, to the voters for approval for purposes of levying
- a new tax or renewing or increasing a current tax levy on an existing tax, including the issuance of
- So all of this amendment does is it removes the part about tax levies and bond issues.
- difficult for a school district is even to plan how much they're asking for a bond issue or a tax levy
- school district it is, it's not right to make them wait every two years in order to pass the tax levies
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Most of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering extended tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, military service, and the work of the chamber. Several members also used the occasion to reflect on their careers, thank constituents and families, and discuss issues such as property tax reform, police service, mental health, and bipartisan cooperation.
The House then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted 142-1 and finally passed 144-1. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution and related safeguards, was adopted 129-16 and finally passed 127-17. Senate Substitute No. 2 for House Bill 2576, a naming and commemorative bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted 136-4 and finally passed 134-6. The chamber also received Senate action on Senate Bill 1408 and Senate Joint Resolution 87, and committee reports recommended passage on several deferred measures.
The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually eliminate state-imposed taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it would promote fiscal sustainability and long-term prosperity, while opponents warned that it would lock away money during a period of projected budget shortfalls and could leave the state unable to access funds when needed. The resolution was discussed at length with questions about funding mechanics, investment authority, and emergency access, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the resolution.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:00.280>
sell <00:04:00.640>bonds <00:04:01.239>or property taxes levies - sell bonds or property taxes levies sell bonds or defer<00:04:01.840>
maintenance <00:04:02.840 - We've got about a $1.2 million tax levy.
- We've got about a $1.2 million tax levy.
- And when I was the mayor, I'm happy to say our increase in levy was from zero to 2.5%.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate File 285, a bill to shift MnDOT highway project cost participation away from local governments and onto MnDOT. The bill’s author and several city representatives said current cost-share policies force cities to spend local aid, property taxes, or debt on state highway projects they do not control, leaving less money for local streets and maintenance. Testifiers from Richfield, Elk River, Faribault, Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Association of Small Cities all supported the bill, describing the policy as one-size-fits-all, financially burdensome, and especially harmful to smaller cities and cities with major state highways running through them.
Witnesses gave examples of large and sometimes changing local cost-share obligations, including Richfield’s spending of most of its MSA funds on projects it does not own and a small-city project where the estimated local share rose from about $2.3 million to over $3 million. Several testifiers said cities often have little practical ability to refuse MnDOT projects because the projects are valuable and MnDOT can move on if a city declines. One witness also raised concerns about money being paid upfront and held in an account during construction, causing cities to lose interest earnings while funds sit unused.
Members asked whether cities truly have a say in these projects and whether there are limits on how much the local share can increase. Testifiers said MnDOT does engage cities, but the cost participation policy largely dictates the outcome, and they described the municipal consent statute as too narrow in practice. Senators expressed concern about fairness and the burden on local budgets, while one member noted the bill may not fully address the broader consent issue. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.