Granite Falls had to rent a fire truck because it didn't have the money to buy a new one. Little Falls may have to triple sewer fees in order to pay for a sewage treatment plant renovation.
But many Republican lawmakers don't like local government aid, especially if any money goes to The Evil Metro.
Buried at the end of Gun debate begins as Legislature begins 2018 work, Forum Communications political reporter Don Davis writes:
Greater Minnesota city leaders want lawmakers to increase aid they receive.
Since 2002, cities have asked for more state aid. That was when their state payments were cut to help balance Minnesota's budget. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is asking the Legislature to up aid $30.5 million to bring cities back to the 2002 level.
However, they face opposition from many Republicans, who control the House and Senate. Many in the GOP oppose Local Government Aid, especially in larger cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth, which they say have enough of a tax base that they should not need state aid.
Bemidji City Councilman Ron Johnson said cities need the help.
"Our city is prudent, we squeeze extra mileage out of our vehicles and try to be mindful about the amount our residents pay in fees and taxes, but we have necessary expenses," Johnson said. "Nothing costs the same as it did in 2002 when there was more LGA to go around."
Johnson said Bemidji, like other cities, reacted to the drop in LGA by doing things like decreasing park maintenance. Then, he added, city officials began to keep police cars, fire trucks, street sweepers and other equipment longer than they should.
Granite Falls Mayor Dave Smiglewski, president of the coalition, said his city spent $50,000 to rent a fire truck for a couple of years because the LGA cut made it impossible to buy a new one.
Greater Minnesota city leaders also say they need state public works money, obtained by the state selling bonds, to improve their clean-water facilities.
City Administrator Jon Radermacher of Little Falls said his community needs a sewage treatment plant renovation that will cost at least $17 million.
"If we don't receive grant funding, our rates will nearly triple," Radermacher said. "We have no choice but to upgrade our plant, so this funding is absolutely critical."
Heaven forbid that a campaign talking point about place-baiting might give way to sane policy for all the state.
Photo: The little falls at Little Falls.
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