Thanks to Minnesota Locks for their support.
The preliminary 2024 budget and property tax levy were the big items approved by City Council. Rental housing, legislative changes, solar carports, required bike parking, and swearing in a new police officer were other items on the agenda.
2024 Budget
West St. Paul will see a 6.03% property tax levy increase for 2024. It’s part of a $41.6 million preliminary budget the City Council approved. This budget has been presented at previous meetings and staff have worked to reduce the levy.
- The final budget and levy number will be approved in December. It can be lowered, but 6.03% is the maximum.
- The increase is lower than most surrounding communities (with the exception of South St. Paul) and lower than the 10-year average.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Police: Mayor Dave Napier swore in new police officer Payton Weber-Rolfes, a Two Rivers graduate and current assistant wrestling coach.
- Vacate an alley: Council approved the first reading vacating an unused alley between Butler Avenue and Stanley Street. A public hearing will be held in October.
- Legislative changes: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), City Manager Nate Burkett gave a presentation on recent legislative changes that may impact city operations.
- Housing: Also during the OCWS, Burkett presented on efforts to engage and educate renters, as well as improve rental housing as a part of the Council’s strategic priorities. Time ran short, but ideas include more direct engagement with renters at apartment complexes and ordinance changes to require participation in the Responsible Owners and Management Association (ROMA) and require multi-family buildings notify the city of management chagnes.
- Final readings: Council will give final consideration and approved ordinances on solar carports and required bike parking, both approved at the last meeting. Both ordinances saw minor tweaks, with maximum coverage on solar carports expanded from 30% to 50% and the minimum required bike racks on parking lots with 150 or more spaces raised from 10 to 16.
- Latine Heritage Month: Council honored Latine Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) with Rep. Maria Isa Perez-Vega reading the proclamation in English and Spanish. (Here’s a “Latine” explainer if that’s a new term for you.)
- City hall prairie: The consent agenda included approval of a grant with Great River Greening to convert much of the open grass around city hall to natural prairie. The project will take place in 2024-2025.
Note: The City Council chambers are getting a face lift, the last piece of the city hall rehab. There should be a new look by the next meeting.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
We believe in government transparency and provide these West St. Paul City Council previews with the support of our members.