Who is my neighbor?

Pioneer Press Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:29:44 -0600
Lakeville/Farmington / Suburbs resist taxing district

A long-running argument over whether Lakeville and Farmington residents should pay more in property taxes for park-and-ride lots â€" like those in neighboring cities â€" is again inching its way through the Minnesota Legislature. The measure would force the two cities, among others, to join the metropolitan transit taxing district. The push to include Lakeville and Farmington began after the cities' riders started crowding park-and-ride facilities in other communities to use the bus service. South metro cities currently taxed in the district include Burnsville, Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount and Savage. "It's time to do the right thing, which is to expand that district," said Sen. John Doll, DFL-Burnsville, the bill's chief author along with Rep. Shelley Madore, DFL-Apple Valley. Lakeville and Farmington officials strongly oppose the proposal, however. They say joining the district wouldn't guarantee buses would come into their suburbs. "If you want us to commit, or voluntarily commit, to pay for those taxes, then you ought to commit to providing those services," Lakeville City Administrator Steve Mielke said. "It's an agreement." [emphasis added]

[[keywords: LandUse;PropertyTax;Metro;]]