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Gazelka introduces sales tax bill
for Nisswa, Brainerd, Baxter LOCAL BRIEFS
Rep. Paul Gazelka, R-Brainerd, has introduced legislation that would authorize the cities of Baxter, Brainerd and Nisswa to impose a sales and use tax as well as general obligation bonds.
"I generally don't endorse more taxes but I will if the people of these communities decide that an additional tax is an appropriate approach to paying for ... infrastructure," Gazelka said.
Baxter is proposing to use the additional .5 percent sales tax on taxable items purchased in the city to fund water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including a water treatment plant, an additional water tower, expanded wastewater treatment capacity, the building and equipping of a fire substation.
Motor vehicle sales would be limited to a total tax of $20 in all three communities.
In November 2004, Baxter residents voted in favor of a local option sales tax. The general obligation bonds may not exceed $15 million.
In Brainerd, a referendum is scheduled to be conducted this November on a .5 percent sales tax. The money generated by this tax would be used to build a shared wastewater treatment facility, water infrastructure improvements and trail development. The general obligation bonds may not exceed $22 million.
Nisswa is also scheduled to conduct a referendum on a .5 percent local option sales tax in November. The funds generated would be used to build a wastewater treatment facility and to cover city costs related to the upgrade of Highway 371 through Nisswa. The general obligation bonds may not exceed $7.8 million.
The taxes imposed on all three cities would expire after 12 years or when the respective city council rules that the amount of revenue raised equals or exceeds the projected amount. Any remaining funds must be placed in the city's general fund. The cities could also pass an ordinance terminating the tax, if desired.
Public invited to take
part in Skywarn training
For people who find themselves drawn to check out the sky as spring storms threaten, the National Weather Service is offering Skywarn training in Brainerd.
Terry Sluss, Crow Wing County interim emergency management director, said the annual NWS training program is available to any interested resident. The Skywarn training is planned 6:30 p.m. April 10 in the Service Building Meeting Room One, which is behind the courthouse on Laurel Street in Brainerd.
The NWS Skywarn program provides training to volunteers in the detection and reporting of life-threatening thunderstorms - those that contain large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. The two-hour Skywarn training course is taught by NWS meteorologists and covers: How Skywarn spotters can play an important role in the warning process; thunderstorm formation and types of thunderstorms; signs to look for in spotting severe weather such as clouds, funnels and rotation; NWS reporting procedures; thunderstorm and tornado safety.
To register, call the county administrator's office at 824-1055 with name, address and phone number.
Law Enforcement and former Skywarn trained individuals are encouraged to attend and invite new members.
Rain barrel on display at extension office
A rain barrel is on display at the Crow Wing County Extension Service office in the basement of the courthouse in Brainerd as well as at the Northland Arboretum.
People interested in ordering a rain barrel should call the Northland Arboretum at 829-8770.
For more information about rain barrels, call Jackie Froemming, technical adviser, CWC Extension Service, at 824-1068 or e-mail to froem022@umn.edu.
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