The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) at its Aug. 19 meeting unanimously passed a resolution that establishes the principles that will be proposed to the State Legislature to be enacted into law should the referendum be approved by the voters in the Nov. 3 General Election. The resolution follows the successful petition effort to place the resolution on the ballot to strengthen the independence of the Park Board.
"As demonstrated by their response to the petition campaign, citizens clearly want their park system to remain in the capable hands of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board," said Tom Nordyke, Board President. "This resolution outlines the principles for our desire for independence while reassuring the public of our commitment to limited tax levy and bonding authority."
The resolution directs that the MPRB ask the Legislature to provide the appropriate State controls on property tax levies, including appropriate levy limits and restraints, and limited bonding authority required for operating the system. The MPRB will seek authority for major bonding initiatives only if approved by the voters of the City of Minneapolis.
"This resolution makes it clear that the Park Board is not seeking unlimited taxing authority and we never have," said Jon Gurban, MPRB Superintendent.
