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The Latest Hews On CSAR 8/14 Realignment The use of tax abatement to help fund the the following developments: Waters Edge CSAH 8/14 realignment project was approved North and South, Heritage Ponds and Victor at a September 27, 2004 meeting of the White Gardens. R A Bear Lake Area School District. According to City of Hugo Finance Director Ron Otkin, the Washington County is also helping to fund theW®R K tax abatement will provide partial funding for project, but not in the form of tax abatement. A H E A the CSAH 8/14 project, as well as for a seg According to Washington County policy, local ` .. ment of Oneka Parkway—a road to be locat- jurisdictions are responsible for 100 percent ed south of County Road 8 that will provide of right-of-way acquisition costs; however, the access to the new Oneka Elementary School. county has granted a variance to this policy and will fund 45 percent of the acquisition Tax abatement is a financing tool that allows costs. Both the City of Hugo and the White cities to use property taxes from a particular Bear Lake Area School District will grant geographic area to fund a specific project. abatements for a 15-year period. Those within the abatement district would continue to pay property taxes, but those taxes The next steps include issuing a tax would now be dedicated to paying for a por- abatement bond and presenting tion of the CSAH 8/14 project. Otkin notes, a formal agreement for final "We're not abating all of the dollars, so there approval. These steps are still going to be tax dollars generated from are expected to take developments for other purposes, like fire and place at the start police protection." The abatement district of 2005. includes parcels that are mostly contained in Budget:From Page 1 Historical anticipated reductions in state aid. _ Commission News According to Hugo City Finance Director Ron Otkin, the Minnesota Department of After approval from the Hugo City Council, Finance projects a$160 million budget deficit the Hugo Historical Commission expects for fiscal year 2004-2005 and a$441 million to welcome its newest volunteer member, .. deficit for fiscal year 2006-2007. In light of Barbara Marohnic. Barbara recently gradu- ated with a B.A. in Writing, and her interests these projections, the City Council feels it is include photography, drawing and history. important to levy for anticipated reductions She has lived in Hugo for five years. Carrie in the state aid that is equivalent to aid reduc- Meyers will step down as Commission chair- tions experienced over the last two years. person at the end of 2004, and Pam Videen will take over as the position in January 2005. The 2005 budget continues the City Council's commitment to fund equipment replace- Hugo's first annual commemorative mug features a painting of the Hugo Feed Mill ment and staffing expansions in the Hugo done by local artist Len Shimota. If you Fire Department and the Public Works missed your chance to purchase one at Good Department. Funding is also included to Neighbor Days or the Fire Department finalize planning for downtown redevelop- Booya, they are still available for purchase at ment. the Feed Mill for$8.00 each.