Minneapolis, MN
Budget battle in Minneapolis leads to unusual mayoral veto
Budget battle brewing in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a rare veto in response to a budget passed by the Minneapolis City Council. FOX 9’s Maury Glover has the full story.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis City Council members say they passed a budget that is responsive to its residents.
“Today we passed a budget that deeply reflects our values,” said council president Elliot Payne.
But the mayor says the budget is problematic and quickly vetoed it.
“It is reckless. It is irresponsible and it is bad for the city of Minneapolis,” said mayor Jacob Frey.
Frey says the $1.9 billion budget contains $6.5 million in additional spending, while taking money away from clearing and preventing homeless encampments, recruiting and retaining police officers and basic city services like filling potholes and plowing streets.
“This budget cuts needs and adds wants,” said Frey.
But city council members take issue with the mayor saying they prioritized what he calls “pet projects” by steering money to specific non-profits and neighborhood safety programs.
“It is not a pet project to be responsive to our constituents,” said council member Aurin Chowdhury.
The mayor signed off on the city council’s lower 6.9 percent property tax increase as opposed to the 8.1 percent increase he initially called for. But city council members say by vetoing their budget, the mayor is playing politics.
“It is our job as the purse holders of the city to make sure that we are spending your dollars in a reasonable and effective way,” said council member Robin Wonsley.
The city council could vote as early as Thursday whether to override the mayor’s veto or leave it intact.