Washington County gets on board

Star Tribune Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:52:24 GMT
3 more counties OK transit sales tax

Hennepin, Dakota and Washington opted for the quarter-cent sales tax for transit projects. In historic votes that could hasten development of new rail lines and bus transitways in the Twin Cities area, three more metro counties Tuesday approved a new transit sales tax that takes effect on July 1. Hennepin and Dakota county commissioners both approved the quarter-cent sales tax -- which would amount to a penny on a $4 purchase -- on 5-2 votes, joining Ramsey and Anoka counties, which passed the tax last week. And after an emotional four-hour meeting Tuesday night, Washington County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve it. Carver and Scott counties have decided not to participate for now. ... "The money will go to special interests and will have very little effect on the citizens of Washington County," said David Morgan of May Township. But Woodbury resident David Rooney said he didn't believe it was in the county's interest to remain on the sidelines. "Reducing the gridlock on a metro freeway is well worth the $20 it would cost me a year," Rooney said. Some of the speakers opposing the tax said they'll campaign against commissioners who voted for it when fall elections roll around.

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