Robbinsdale Leaders Explain City Budget, Breakdown of Property Tax Dollars
Robbinsdale city leaders and department heads spent some time breaking down how the city uses the tax dollars it collects.
Each taxpayer in the city receives a bill annually that is broken up into these entities that collect taxes: the City of Robbinsdale, Robbinsdale School District, and Hennepin County.
Of each dollar, the city gets about 34 cents.
“Every dollar you contribute helps us deliver essential services today and plan for the future,” said Mayor Brad Sutton. “From safe streets and responsive city services to vibrant parks and thriving neighborhoods, your support keeps our city moving forward.”
Public Safety
More than 50 percent of that goes to public safety in Robbinsdale.
“This encompasses all police and fire equipment, training and operations. Some of this support allows the police to continue our community engagement efforts, excellent response times and higher training standards,” said Police Chief Patrick Foley. ” Every call we answer and every neighborhood we visit helps keep Robbinsdale safe.”
“Your public safety dollars also support Robbinsdale Fire, which is staffed by dedicated paid-on-call firefighters,” said Fire Chief Guy Dorholt. “Your investment helps protect lives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Streets & Public Works
A little more than a quarter of each dollar goes to pay for public works and city infrastructure. That includes snow plowing, road repair, caring for public trees, maintaining playgrounds and green spaces, and keeping the downtown streetscape looking its best.
“These public works services help keep Robbinsdale running smoothly year-round,” said Director of Public Works Richard McCoy.
Recreation
About a nickel out of every tax dollar collected goes to park and recreation programs.
“This includes activities for all ages including youth sports, creative programs, fitness opportunities, community gatherings, and more,” said Recreation Services Manager Matt Bazyk. “These programs bring people together and help make Robbinsdale a fun and connected place to live.”
City Hall
A little less than a dime of every dollar the city collects goes to city services running behind the scenes, mostly at city hall.
“That means supporting City Council meetings, organizing elections, managing records, answering resident questions, and balancing the City’s budget,” said Communications Coordinator Rachel Leen. “These functions make sure everything you see, and don’t see, keeps working.”
Community Development
Another nickel of every dollar collected helps the city’s community development team plan for the future of the city.
“That includes guiding redevelopment projects, reviewing permits, inspecting buildings, and making sure our neighborhoods remain safe and vibrant as we grow,” said Community Development Director Heather Rand.
