Anoka County Rail Authority adopts lowest levy in 10 years
The Anoka County Regional Rail Authority (ACRRA) has adopted a proposed 2012 property tax levy of $2.248 million, a 65 percent decreasefrom the 2011 levy. The 2012 levy continues a trend of necessary reductions.
It is the lowest regional rail levy since 2002.
“In considering wants vs. needs in drafting this budget, we kept the stark reality of the current economy front and center,” said Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look, chair of the Rail Authority. “The new leadership of the Rail Authority takes seriously the responsibility of budgeting only for our current commitments, and eliminating unnecessary planning and spending.”
The needs identified in the budget for 2012 include:
• $2.16 million for debt service payment for the Northstar Commuter Rail project.
• $75,364 for the Northstar Link commuter bus. The bus serves commuters between the Big Lake rail station and St. Cloud. A Friday midday bus serving Anoka and Coon Rapids stations is included.
The 2012 budget totals $2.88 million but is reduced with reserves to $2.248 million.
The proposed 2012 ACRRA budget would result in a reduced county portion of the property tax bill for most low- and moderate-valued homes. The Regional Rail Authority is a separate line item on the tax statement.
