Cost and Financing Plan
Guided by resident input and long-term planning, the City of Maplewood is working to make smart investments in public safety, recreation, and community spaces — while remaining mindful of the cost to residents and visitors.
The City Council is seeking legislative approval to allow voters to consider a local half-cent sales tax to provide $81 million, plus financing costs, to support the following projects:
East Metro Public Safety Training Facility — $25 million
Maplewood Community Center — $48 million
Afton Heights Park — $8 million
Using a local sales tax would allow residents to share the cost of these projects with nonresidents who shop, dine, and participate in activities in Maplewood, rather than placing the full burden on property taxes.
Why a Sales Tax
Nonresidents would pay 60% of the sales tax, according to the University of Minnesota. This means approximately $49.4 million of the $81 million collected through the sales tax would be paid by visitors who often use the City’s parks, public amenities, and public services.
Tax impact on Maplewood residents. If approved, the half-cent sales tax would cost the average resident about $3 per month, or $36 per year.
The local sales tax would not be permanent. The sales tax would expire after 20 years or when enough funds have been collected to cover the approved projects’ cost, whichever comes first.
Exemptions for essential goods. Local sales taxes include a wide range of exemptions for essential goods, including groceries, clothing, prescription drugs, and baby products.
Seeking Multiple Funding Sources
To further help manage these investment costs, the City is pursuing multiple funding sources. This includes seeking $5.4 million in state bonding funds to help support the expansion of the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility.