DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Public Hearing To Receive Comments On Approval Of Eligible Projects For Transportation Sales And Use Tax Funds
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
• Conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed list of eligible projects for County Transportation Sales and Use Tax (Sales and Use Tax) funds.
• Approve the list of eligible projects for County Sales and Use Tax funds
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, Dakota County identifies priority transportation projects needed to improve safety, mobility, and economic development. Dakota County enacted a quarter-cent sales tax and $20 excise tax on new vehicle sales starting October 1, 2017, by Resolution No.17-364 (June 20, 2017). The Sales and Use Tax is authorized by Minn. Stat. § 297A.993 (The Act) (Attachment: Act). The Act requires the County Board to designate transportation or transit projects or improvements following a public hearing. The Sales and Use Tax funds may be used on more than one project and may be dedicated to a new project by resolution after a public hearing.
By Resolution No. 21-518 (November 2, 2021), the County Board scheduled a public hearing for November 30, 2021, to review the proposed list of eligible projects for the Sales and Use Tax. The public hearing notice was published in the Dakota Tribune on November 12, 2021, and November 19, 2021 (Attachment: Notice), with supplemental information posted on the Dakota County website. Written comments (Attachment: Comments) were accepted by staff through November 26, 2021.
The proposed list of eligible projects (Attachment: List; Attachment: Map) is an update to the previous list that was adopted when the Sales and Use Tax was enacted in 2017. The updated list of projects reflects future transportation system needs based on the 2040 Transportation Plan (Plan) and incorporated into the Draft 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
The updated list generally reflects:
Elimination of projects and funding commitments that are completed.
Changes to project descriptions and costs estimates as project scopes change or where new information is available.
Adding projects that were identified as needs through the Plan.
Adopting the proposed updates to the list would ensure the projects included in the Draft 2022-2026 Transportation CIP correspond to the Sales and Use Tax eligible list.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners conduct the public hearing to receive comments on the proposed list of eligible projects for Sales and Use Tax funds and approve the list of eligible projects after consideration of any public comments received.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None. The Sales and Use Tax generates approximately $19 million annually. Projects on the list of eligible projects are programmed into the proposed Transportation CIP in coordination with partners as projects are ready and funds are available.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 297A.993 (the Act) authorizes the Dakota County Board to levy up to one-half of one percent sales and use tax and an excise tax of $20 per motor vehicle to fund statutorily defined transportation and transit projects; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 17-364 (June 20, 2017), the Dakota County Board enacted a quarter-cent sales tax and $20 excise tax on new vehicle sales starting October 1, 2017, to fund identified transitway, transit expansion, regional County highway, trail, and trunk highway transportation projects; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has recently updated its 2040 Transportation Plan, which identifies long-term transportation system needs; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has identified a proposed updated list of transportation projects eligible for Transportation Sales and Use Tax funds based on the needs identified in the 2040 Transportation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Act allows the County Board to dedicate the proceeds of the Transportation Sales and Use Tax to a new enumerated project by resolution after a public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the County Board held a public hearing on the date hereof following publication of notice as required by the Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners approves the updated list of eligible projects for County Transportation Sales and Use Tax Funds.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
17-364; 6/20/17
21-518; 11/2/21
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Act
Attachment: Notice
Attachment: Comments
Attachment: List
Attachment: Map
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Mark Krebsbach
Author: Joe Morneau