BlaineMN.gov
CityConnect November/December 2023
What’s Inside
Department Spotlight: Public Works Streets Division............................3
CM Leslie Larson, Stacy Morse (Rep. Emmer’s Office), CM Lori Saroya, Com. Julie Braastad, CM Jess Robertson, Com. Matt Look, Rep. Frank Hornstein, CM Terra Fleming, Rep. Nolan West, Sen. Michael Kreun, Mayor Tim Sanders, Com. Julie Jeppson, Governor Tim Walz, CM Tom Newland, Rep. Matt Norris, Rep. Erin Koegel, Sen. Scott Dibble, CM Chris Massoglia
Polar Plunge Comes to Blaine.......................................................5
Highway 65 Funding Celebration Governor Walz Visits Blaine to Kickoff Project
Thousands Enjoy Blaine Fall Community Events.........................................8
The Highway 65 reconstruction project is fully funded. Before construction begins the project team joined with elected officials from all levels of government to celebrate the funding milestone. Mayor Tim Sanders and the entire Blaine City Council were on hand to welcome Governor Tim Walz to Blaine. Members of the Minnesota Legislature and the Anoka County Board of Commissioners also joined the celebration. The State of Minnesota is providing $146.5 million for the project and the federal government is providing the remaining $49 million. The reconstruction project will create overpasses that will carry Highway 65 over the local cross street at 99th, 105th, 109th, and 117th Avenues. The project will eliminate stoplights and the dangerous crossings. With safety and quality of life improvements at the center of the project, this will deliver the infrastructure improvements that Blaine residents deserve. Follow the project at BlaineMN.gov/ThriveOn65.
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City Prepares 2024 Annual Budget
City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449
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DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
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POSTAL CUSTOMER
Learn More About the General Fund Budget and the Truth in Taxation Meeting The City has been working on the 2024 budget for the last several months. The budget process begins early in the year when the City Council identifies priorities and provides general guidance to city staff. City departments then spend time each spring reviewing the current budget and making modifications and requests for the next calendar year. All the requests and modifications are reviewed by the Finance Department and ultimately by the city manager. The city manager is responsible for presenting a draft budget to the City Council. The draft budget is presented in the summer and then the Council is able to dig in to start working through the budget. By law the Council must set a preliminary tax levy by the end of September. After the preliminary tax levy is set, it can not be raised it can only be lowered before final adoption in December. Residents can participate in the budget process through public meetings, questions to staff, and by contacting their Councilmembers.
Truth In Taxation Public Meeting Monday, December 18, 7PM
Mayor and Council Contact Information BlaineMN.gov/CityCouncil Staff Contact Information BlaineMN.gov/Directory