Minneapolis homeowners are set to see an increase in property taxes dedicated to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) in 2025. The Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) recently finalized a property tax levy at $89,488,432 for the MPRB, marking an 8.27 percent hike. This levy is part of the overall city property tax levy of $511,131,042, representing a 1.45 percent increase from the previous year, as reported by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
In the struggle to maintain park service levels and the proper care of assets, the MPRB Commissioners initially proposed a 10.07 percent tax levy increase. However, Mayor Frey's budget recommended a less generous 7.01 percent. This lower recommendation raised concerns over whether it would fully cover staff salary settlements or the staffing required for the new GRACO park. "We are thankful the BET passed a levy rate for the park system that invests in employees that serve the community every day and that reduces barriers to program participation," MPRB President Meg Forney stated in a meeting.
For the average homeowner, those figures translate to about 7.8 cents of every dollar of property taxes going towards MPRB, which is responsible for over 7,000 acres of parkland, and the urban forest, and supports upwards of 32 million yearly park visits. The recently passed tax levy includes funds for wage and fringe adjustments and a strategy to offer free and reduced-cost youth programs city-wide, which means an additional $27 per year, or roughly $2.25 per month, for a median-valued home at $323,000.
Yet, the funds fall short of the MPRB's full request, lacking $1.5 million intended to deal with inflationary pressures and to ensure Graco Park's standard service level upon its opening. Al Bangoura, the Superintendent of the MPRB, underlined the significance of equitable access stating, "Equity and access drive our day-to-day and long-term decisions. We are committed to providing access to parks, trails, and water resources in North and Northeast Minneapolis, which are areas of the city that have historically not had access to the same resources as other parts of the city."
The BET's role in setting these maximum tax levies is mandated by State Law and aims to promote visibility, efficiency, and accountability within the MPRB budgeting process. The MPRB's recommended budget for 2025, reflecting the 8.27 percent property levy increase, is set for presentation on October 23, while the public will have the opportunity to provide comments in November and December. Final decisions on the tax levy and the year's budget will then occur on December 10, 2024. Further information regarding the budget and feedback avenues are accessible through the MPRB's official website.
