Duluth mayoral candidate Roger Reinert released this statement Monday night regarding the proposed 2024 City of Duluth budget:
The 2024 proposed City of Duluth budget was previewed Monday night at a Duluth City Council Finance Committee Meeting. The full proposed 2024 budget is not yet publicly available.
“Last spring we led the charge to restore proposed cuts to Fire and Police because a 9% tax increase was not sufficient,” (https://www.facebook.com/reel/802895667397775) said Reinert. “A 2% increase is below forecasted inflation, and the likely 2024 social security cost of living adjustment. That’s good news. But, most Duluth homeowners have seen property taxes more than double in the past eight years - holding them flat would be even better news.”
Reinert noted the “Good News” budget includes three of the Five Big Issues his campaign has been highlighting since last spring: public safety in Downtown Duluth, streets, and affordable property taxes. The other two issues are housing across all income levels, and growing Duluth’s commercial tax base (https://rogerforduluth.com/issues).
"This could be my first budget as Duluth’s next Mayor. It's one I can work with, and improve upon,", said Reinert. "Last week I heard these issues referred to as a ‘list of complaints’; now they are budget priorities. Do I think this is election year politics? Of course. Do I care? Not at all. From east to west, Duluthians have said they want these issues addressed.”
Proposal of the 2024 City budget is the start of a months-long process. The City Council must adopt a certified tax levy and final City budget by the end of December.
City of Duluth elections are non-partisan. Reinert was the top vote-getter in the August Primary. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 7. Early voting begins September 22. Voters can find their polling place, and additional voting information, at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us."
