Dem Mayor Chris Coleman Pushes Major Tax Hike On St. Paul As He Leaves To Run For Governor

It's the largest tax increase the city has seen in decades.

"Today’s announcement is proof positive that Minnesotans can’t afford Coleman’s out of control spending.”

John Rouleau
Executive Director of the Minnesota Jobs Coalition

According to the Star-Tribune, St. Louis Mayor Chris Coleman has proposed a 23.9 percent property tax hike for 2018 - the largest increase the city has seen in decades. 

Here's more: 

"Residents will see a drop in their assessment bills as the city shifts the maintenance costs to taxes. Coleman, who is running for governor, highlighted public safety, environmental and jobs spending priorities in his $561 million operating budget. He also proposed a $55 million capital improvement budget that includes money for housing, transportation and recreation infrastructure improvements.

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St. Paul’s large levy increase is the result of a legal challenge. Last year, the Minnesota Supreme Court called into question the city’s practice of charging property owners right of way assessments to pay for maintenance. Coleman proposed using property taxes in 2018 to pay for much of the street upkeep previously funded through assessments."

Here's more background from the RGA

Coleman has openly admitted that he’s leaving St. Paul in a $30 million hole for his successor, and now, he’s decided to impose a massive tax hike as a parting shot on taxpayers. Coleman clearly has no concern for the mess he’s leaving St. Paul to clean up after 12 years of his poor management and now he wants a promotion to the state’s highest office. Coleman’s failed record as Mayor serves as proof that Minnesota can’t afford him as its next governor.

Sponsored by the Republican Governors Association