Mower County Board takes stand against levy limits

Published 10:59 am Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The county board took a stand against legislation it thinks could tie its hands when setting the budget.

The county board unanimously decided to sign a letter opposing a bill by Rep. Linda Runbeck, R-Circle Pines, to limit county’s levy authority.

“It would be harsh levy limits, so you’d have no adjustments to them,” County Coordinator Craig Oscarson said.

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The bill would also limit local governments’ ability to use bonds for capital projects, according to Oscarson.

“It’s the state limiting our ability to run our business,” said Chairman Tim Gabrielson.

Oscarson described levy limits as political posturing, and he said levy increases or decreases should be a decision left to local government bodies.