(KNSI) – Waite Park is holding an informational meeting on two proposed ballot questions to raise its local sales tax to pay for a new public safety building and trail improvements.
Officials are asking for an additional 0.5% sales tax to collect $20 million to cover a new police and fire department headquarters and $7.5 million to connect regional trails. The tax would generate around $1.5 million a year. The tax would be collected for 19 years or until the bonds are paid off.
The police and fire departments say they are out of space in the current public safety building.
Waite Park says the money would be used to connect the Glacial Lakes Trail from Willmar and the Lake Wobegon Trail from Osakis in the city. Officials say a connection would extend to the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. A bicyclist could ride straight from Willmar to Duluth if the improvements are completed.
The meeting is Friday, September 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. at the Community Park Pavillion, 151 13th Avenue North. Mayor Rick Miller, City Administrator Shaunna Johnson and Police Chief David Bentrud will give a presentation and answer any questions.
The general election is on November 8th.
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