Each year local governments go through a budget process to determine what services they will provide, how much these will cost and where they will get the money. The primary source of revenue for a city is the taxes levied on taxable properties within a city. The tax rate is determined by the county auditor by dividing this levy amount by the taxable value of property in our taxing district.

Property tax calculations are complicated and impacted by many factors outside of a city's control. Much has been reported in the news media recently about decisions made during the state legislative session that could have an impact on our final property tax bills. For example, changes to the Market Value Homestead Credit Program, changes in tax rates, and increases or decreases in market value of other residential and commercial properties in the city all have a potential impact on our property taxes.

The city is working diligently on understanding how these changes will affect Spring Park property owners for the upcoming year. Responsible, financial planning has continued to positively position Spring Park to accommodate a slower economic recovery, as well as state political uncertainties.

Recently the Spring Park City Council set our preliminary tax levy for 2012 at $950,000. This is the same amount we levied for in 2011. It is a $30,000 reduction from 2009 and 2010 levels, where the levy was set at $980,000. We are proud that our tax levy has not increased during the last 4 years.

As always, the city of Spring Park will continue to provide the excellent services our residents and businesses have come to expect, and at a reasonable price, both in 2012 and into the future. If you would like to learn more about what how city tax dollars are spent, I encourage you to attend our annual budget hearing. It will be held on December 5 at 7:30p.m. at City Hall. The city council welcomes your input.

Your Mayor,

Re-Use it Coupon Books ~ Coupon books are now available at City Hall. Coupons are good from 10-1 thru 11-30-2011!     

Volunteer(s) Needed ~ The City is looking for volunteer(s) who may be interested in assisting with putting together historical Spring Park data collected throughout the years. We will provide the materials; you provide the time and the creativity! Call Wendy or Sharon if you're interested.

Reminders

Dates to Remember 
Sat, Nov 5 - Fall Clean Up Day

Tues, Nov 8 - Westonka School Referendum

Mon, Dec 5 - Truth in Taxation, 7:30 pm

Fall Clean Up Day:

Saturday, November 5!

Spring Park Residents Only

Recycling Info:  New Gadgets this Year? 

The holidays often mean gift-giving, and gift-giving often means new gadgets. If you're upgrading this holiday season, consider the responsible way to get rid of the old cell phones, game consoles, and media players that you won't be using anymore.

Electronic products containing a cathode ray tube (such as TVs and computer monitors) may not be placed in the garbage (Minnesota State Statute 115A.9565). Other items with circuit boards in them contain metals that should be recycled rather than thrown in the trash. There are many options for these unwanted electronics (termed "e-waste.")

Reduce: To reduce the amount of e-waste you create, consider the impact of the item you intend to buy. Perhaps there is a different, less-wasteful gift option. Or, choose items with a long product life in order to create less waste in the long-term.  

Reuse: If you are finished using a product, whether you've replaced it with a newer version or simply don't use it anymore, try to find someone who would use it. You could re-gift the item or donate it to a local organization.  

Recycle: There are many local recycling options for unwanted and unusable electronics. Many electronics retailers and manufacturers will collect them for recycling. Other options include recycling companies, city recycling events, and some county household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off sites. Before choosing a recycler, ask about fees, hours, and types of electronics accepted.   

To find electronics recycling options, visit  RethinkRecycling.com, your go-to-guide for waste and recycling in the Twin Cities.