Apr 18, 2006 10:24 pm US/Central
County OKs Ballpark Plan; Moves To State Capitol
by Darcy Pohland
(WCCO)
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Artist's rendering of the proposed Twins ballpark
CBS
Hennepin County commissioners approved a revised plan Tuesday to help fund the construction of a new outdoor ballpark in downtown Minneapolis for the Minnesota Twins.
The board voted 4-3 on a plan that would add a .15 percent sales tax, or .03 cents on a $20 purchase, to all purchases in the county to help fund the project.
A source of controversy for some, the deal also asks state lawmakers to approve allowing the county to raise the sales tax without a referendum — normally required by state law.
If the plan is approved in the State Capitol, Hennepin County would contribute $392 million to the estimated $522 million open-air ballpark. The Twins would fund the remaining $130 million for the proposed 42,000-seat facility that would open in 2010.
Commissioners Mike Opat, Randy Johnson, Peter McLaughlin, and Mark Stenglein voted for the resolution. Gail Dorfman, Linda Koblick and Penny Steele all voted against it.
Stadium opponents at the meeting argued that they want a referendum on the issue. Some said they simply object with using public money for a private investment in professional sports.
"I want to vote on this. I do not want them taking my tax money - and it's significant," said Mary Ann Crolley, a county resident who opposes the plan.
State lawmakers will now take up the issue. The House Tax Committee is scheduled to hear the proposal on Wednesday and Thursday.
A similar plan was presented to the State Capitol in 2005, but did not receive a vote and the proposal expired.
The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings are also pursuing new stadiums this session.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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