Investing in Roseville’s existing assets and public safety personnel was the theme of City Manager Patrick Trudgeon’s 2020 preliminary budget recommendation during the City Council’s Monday, August 12 meeting.
The $62.6 million budget calls for the city to increase its capital outlay by more than 60 percent in 2020 to $15.5 million. The vast majority of the recommended $6 million increase is a one-time $5 million investment in necessary infrastructure maintenance to the 26-year old Guidant John Rose MN OVAL. The OVAL improvements are planned to be paid for by state funding, not city levy dollars.
Overall, the recommended budget represents a total increase of approximately $7 million compared to 2019. In addition to the one-time capital outlay for the OVAL, the 2020 budget continues to fund all existing city programs and services. The bulk of the remaining budget increase compared to 2019 is due to inflationary costs for staff and equipment and an additional four police officers and three firefighters.
Roseville homeowners will be asked to contribute $12.5 million in residential property taxes according to the 2020 recommended budget. This represents an increase of about 5.5 percent compared to last year’s levy. The levy impact on a median-valued Roseville home valued at $272,000 would see the homeowner’s tax bill rise $6.67 to $80.04 per month.
Residential property taxes fund approximately 20 percent of the city’s annual budget. Revenue for the remaining $50.1 million in the budget will come from commercial property taxes, license and permit fees, charges for services like recreation programs, user charges for water and sewers, intergovernmental sources, court fees and interest earnings.
The recommended budget is a balanced budget presented to the City Council by the City Manager. It is a starting point from which council members work to arrive at a final budget for the following fiscal year.
The City Council will vote on the preliminary budget and property tax levy at its September 23 meeting. Prior to that meeting, the City Council is requesting feedback on the proposed budget from residents. Residents can share their thoughts by completing the Budget Priorities form included in the upcoming September/October city newsletter. For residents who prefer to share their thoughts electronically, an online Budget Priorities Form is available at www.cityofroseville.com/budgetfeedback. Residents may also email the City Council directly at city.council@cityofroseville.com.
The final vote on adoption of Roseville’s 2020 budget will take place in December.