Item Description:
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Set 2026 special levies for Shingle Creek Watershed at $795,375; Bassett Creek Watershed at $2,503,500; West Mississippi Watershed at $106,050; and Elm Creek Watershed at $630,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2026 special levy for the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $795,375 to support two water quality cost share programs, a maintenance fund, the Brookdale Park Natural Channel Phase 1 Project in the city of Brooklyn Park, and the Bass Creek TH169 to 63rd Avenue Project in the cities of Brooklyn Park and New Hope; 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 2026 special levy for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $2,503,500 to support the Bassett Creek Main Stem Restoration - Regent Ave to Golden Valley Road Project in the city of Golden Valley, the Plymouth Creek Restoration - Dunkirk Land to Plymouth Ice Center Project in the city of Plymouth, and the Flood Control Double Box Culvert Repairs Project in the city of Minneapolis; 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 2026 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 2026 special levy for the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $630,000 to support the Diamond Lake Alum Treatment Project in the city of Dayton, the Rush Creek Stream Restoration - Rush Hollow to Fernbrook Project in the city of Maple Grove, and the cost share purchase of a high-efficiency street sweeper in the city of Corcoran; 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 $795,375 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 of $848,400 to fund these same priorities (Resolution 25-0267). The final levy amount was reduced because the cost estimate for the Bass Creek TH169 to 63rd Avenue Project was reduced.
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $2,503,500 for three water quality and flood control projects. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy for these same projects at $2,503,500 (Resolution 25-0266).
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 at $106,050 to fund the same program (Resolution 25-0267).
The Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested a special levy of $630,000 for three water quality projects. Earlier this year, the county board established the maximum levy at $630,000 for these same priorities (Resolution 25-0265).
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 2026 special levies for projects that improve water quality at the following amounts:
• Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission at $795,375
• Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission at $2,503,500
• West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission at $106,050
• Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission at $630,000
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 fund projects that improve water quality and aquatic habitat of a wide variety of water resources throughout the county. Many of these projects will occur in or benefit water bodies in areas of environmental justice concern, as identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
This action supports the county’s disparity elimination efforts by enhancing stormwater management systems and mitigating the flooding risks that climate change poses to our infrastructure and more vulnerable residents.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval