Item Description:
title
Set 2025 special levies for Shingle Creek Watershed at $1,299,113; Bassett Creek Watershed at $2,303,500; West Mississippi Watershed at $106,050; and Elm Creek Watershed at $477,225
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2025 special levy for the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $1,299,113 to support five priorities in the commission’s watershed management plan, including two water quality cost share programs, a maintenance fund, as well as the Minneapolis Shingle Creek Regional Park Restoration in the city of Minneapolis and the Brookdale Park Natural Channel Phase 1 Project in the city of Brooklyn Park; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2025 special levy for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $2,303,500 to support the Cost Share Purchase of a High-efficiency Street Sweeper Project in the city of Golden Valley, the Bassett Creek Main Stem Restoration Project in the city of Golden Valley, the Sochacki Park Water Quality Improvement project in the cities of Robbinsdale and Golden Valley, and the Plymouth Creek Restoration Project in the city of Plymouth; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2025 special levy for the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission be set at $106,050 to support one water quality cost share program; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2025 special levy for the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $477,225 to support one water quality cost share program as well as the Rush Creek Stream Restoration - Rush Hollow Project in the city of Maple Grove; that the levy be certified to the County Auditor; and that the levy be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission.
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Background:
The Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $1,299,113 to support five priorities in the commission’s watershed management plan, including two water quality cost share programs, a maintenance fund, and two water quality projects. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy to fund these same priorities at $1,299,113 (Resolution 24-0315).
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $2,303,500 for four water quality projects. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy for these same projects at $2,303,500 (Resolution 24-0316).
The West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $106,050 to support one water quality cost share program. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy to fund two cost cost-share programs at $159,075 (Resolution 24-0315). A city (public property) water quality cost share program was included in the maximum levy request but removed from the final levy request due to the program having sufficient fund balance to meet anticipated needs in 2025.
The Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $477,225 for one water quality cost share program and one water quality project. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy at $583,275 for this program and project, plus one additional water quality cost share program (Resolution 24-0317). A partnership (private lands) water quality cost share program was included in the maximum levy request but removed from the final levy request due to the program having sufficient fund balance to meet anticipated needs in 2025.
The projects proposed by the watersheds will be paid for by a special levy authorized pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 103B.251 and such levies are exempt from any statutory limitation on taxes. A county levying a tax under Minnesota Statutes § 103B.251 shall not include that tax in the county’s general levy but shall separately certify that amount to the County Auditor. The County Auditor shall extend that levy as a special taxing district.
Current Request:
This request is to set the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission 2025 special levy at $1,299,113, the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission 2025 special levy at $2,303,500, the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission 2025 special levy at $106,050, and the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission 2025 special levy at $477,225 for projects that improve water quality. This request also establishes that levies for each commission be certified by the County Auditor and each levy to be placed on taxable properties under the jurisdiction of each respective commission.
Impact/Outcomes:
The special levies will fund projects that will facilitate the improved water quality and habitat of a wide variety of water resources throughout the county. Projects in this request will improve water quality and aquatic habitat throughout the Shingle Creek, Bassett Creek, West Mississippi, and Elm Creek watershed areas. Many of these projects will occur in areas or benefit water bodies identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in areas of environmental justice concern.
These projects will also contribute to make Hennepin County more resilient to climate change by creating streambanks that are better able to withstand high flows associated with increasing precipitation patterns, and by improving water quality in advance of wetter and warmer mid-century conditions.
This action supports the county’s disparity reduction efforts by enhancing stormwater management systems and mitigating the flooding risks that climate change poses to residents, infrastructure, and natural areas most vulnerable to climate change.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval