Favorable Sales Tax Vote Results in Substantial Levy Reduction
Favorable Sales Tax Vote results in Substantial Levy Reduction
For Immediate Release: For More Information Contact:
December 15, 2016 Brett Behnke 507-402-4806
Albert Lea, MN - The Shell Rock River Watershed District (SRRWD) Board of Managers unanimously approved several budgetary items at their December 13, 2016 board meeting. This action included a significant rollback on the proposed $1 million levy which appeared on Freeborn County residents’ proposed tax statements in late November. As a result of the board action, the total property tax levy was reduced to $192,000.
Albert Lea voters overwhelmingly supported the local option sales tax renewal. The November 8th renewal vote passed by over 70%. As a result of the support of the community, the Board of Managers was able to significantly rollback the proposed $1 million levy. Administrator Behnke thanked the community for their support and noted that voters deserve credit for this substantial levy rollback. As stated by Behnke, “The voters spoke and they told us that they want to fund our projects primarily through the sales tax.”
The rollback entails the unanimous approval of the 2017 Bond Fund Levy of $142,000 and a Survey and Data Acquisition Fund Levy of $50,000. All proceeds from the levy and sales tax will go toward watershed projects to achieve cleaner water in Albert Lea and Freeborn County.
The SRRWD also unanimously approved the 2017 Administrative Levy of $250,000 and certified it to the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer. Like most watershed districts in Minnesota, the District levies $250,000 a year in property taxes to fund administrative costs. This figure has remained consistent since the SRRWD was established in 2003 and has never increased.