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Rochester, Mn (KROC-AM News) - Rochester City Council appears ready to go back to the Minnesota Legislature this year to seek authorization to hold a referendum on another extension of the city's half-cent sales tax.

The city went to the state legislature last year with a request to extend the existing tax but it was included in the omnibus tax bill that failed to win approval when a budget deal brokered by Governor Walz, House Democrats, and Senate Republicans fell apart in the final hours of the 2022 legislative session. The City Council meets for a study session today to discuss whether to pursue the same proposal at the State Capitol this year.

City of Rochester
City of Rochester
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The current proposal would use the city sales tax to raise more than $200 million to fund four major initiatives. $50 million would be allocated to an economic vitality fund, another $40 million would be directed to street reconstruction projects, $40 million would be used for flood control maintenance and water quality projects, and $65 million would be appropriated for the development of a regional sports recreation complex in Rochester. It's estimated the local sales tax would generate enough revenue to cover the costs of the proposed projects after about 16 1/2 years.

If the State Legislature approves the request, the sales tax question would be put before Rochester voters for final approval. The most recent extension of the local sales tax was approved by voters in 2012.

City of Rochester
City of Rochester
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The City Council will also hold discussions Monday concerning the city's other legislative priorities, including projects it would like to have included in a bonding bill this year. That list includes $4 million to help cover the cost of the construction of a Park & Ride Deck along North Broadway next to the Rochester Recreation Center.

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City staff is also recommending a bonding request for $1.87 million to begin work on the proposed Willow Creek Regional Trail Connection from near Willow Creek Middle School to the new Gamehaven Regional Park just south of Rochester. The City Council is also being asked to include funding for a Regional Parks and Forestry Maintenance Operation Center in the bonding request.

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