Take the POLL: Shakopee City Council Begins Tough Financial Talks

The Shakopee City Council delved into the 2013 budget and taxes at Tuesday's regular meeting and began discussion on some big-ticket items that have been avoided in the recent past, Mayor Brad Tabke wrote on his website.

The tax levy has remained flat since 2009, and assistant city administrator Kris Wilson said the city has made all the "easy cuts." Making it even more challenging to budget for next year is an expected 8 percent decrease this year in taxable market value.

"Every city will be dealing with this as they prepare budgets," said the city's finance director Julie Linnihan.

Tabke said his focus is on the long-term health of the city and he believes it's time to invest – especially in the city's infrastructure.

"A significant investment will be needed to replace/repair roads that were built during the major city expansion," he said.

He also said he believes the city's staffing "has been reduced and stretched to the point where it is a detriment to the residents of Shakopee."

"We are at a time when we must invest in our future to maintain our competitiveness with other communities, keep our infrastructure solid and provide the services needed by you, our residents," he said.

On Tuesday, councilors gave the following direction to staff:

• A council majority is willing to look at major cuts in city services to continue the low tax rate;
• A council majority is willing to look at personnel cuts if private business can provide cheaper/better services;
• A council majority is willing to vote for revenue (taxes, fees, etc.) increases to meet our needs and future progress

Tabke said he supports the above three items. 

Councilor Matt Lehman said he'd like to keep the levy as flat as possible but would consider raising it if needed for public safety.

"I'm open to looking at any way of streamlining ... turning some of the services government does over to the private sector," he said.

Tabke is willing to vote for an increase in revenue that comes with added efficiencies, service cuts and improving the way government serves Shakopee. His target is a 2 percent reduction from the 2012 budget + specific, necessary staff/projects that focus on our future.

"It won’t be easy, but there is a lot of common ground in our views and we will work toward reaching it throughout the budget process," he said.

Watch the meeting here. Watch item #14 (you can skip to it) with discussion and illustratrating the differing views on the future of Shakopee.

Link to Agenda

Link to City Council Packet