2013 HRA Budget & Levy

The city council was presented with the proposed 2013 HRA budget and levy at the worksession of August 28, 2012.  Much inquiry was made in regard to the funds held at Anoka County HRA and the availability of those funds in regard to reducing the City HRA's levy.

Staff contacted Karen Skepper of the Anoka County HRA and got a further clarification of the use of these funds.  To quote Ms. Skepper:  "The use of the Anoka County HRA funds need to be tied to eligible projects.  There may be ways to use the funding for the city HRA budget, but a copy of the budget and a resolution from the city council is needed to bring to the Anoka County HRA Board.  In the past, funding for very specific projects have always been approved.  It is likely that there will be considerable discussion in regards to the city's budget and there is the potential for some line items to be approved and others denied.  I'm certain that reserves will not be allowed as we are statutorily obligated to only expend the HRA levy in eligible areas.  I can't anticipate what the reaction of the board would be to funding an entire budget".

A line-item detail of the transactions of the HRA for the last three years will be presented at the worksession.

Based upon the uncertainty of a County approval of the use of it's levy authority, to fund all or part of the City's HRA function, It is recommended that the city the proposed levy amount at the September 11, 2012 HRA meeting.  A revised final levy in December could be based upon an approved County action as requested by the City.

Not Applicable

Discussion of the HRA budget and levy