Council Perspective: November/December 2024
Public Safety Campus Funding and Sales Tax Referendum
Public Safety Campus Project Development and Timeline
City Council Member Recognition and Transitions
Full Document Analysis
Votes (3)
Report on Local Option Sales Tax Referendum Approval and Public Safety Campus Funding
Dissent: 26 residents voted against the referendum
The report detailed the successful approval of the 0.5% local option sales tax by Woodbury residents on November 5th, with a significant majority. This tax is the primary funding mechanism for the Public Safety campus project, projected to begin in Q2 2025, dedicated solely to the project until it reaches $50 million or 20 years. Specific exemptions for essential items and vehicles were noted, alongside an anticipated 53% contribution from non-residents. Grants and a $13 annual property tax increase will provide supplementary funding.
Public Safety Campus Project Update and Future Timeline
Following funding approval, the city is proceeding with the Public Safety campus project, targeting design completion, a competitive construction bid process, and a construction start in 2026. The goal is to open the new campus by Q2 2028. The project scope includes acquiring and reconstructing the adjacent Washington County service center and upgrading the existing public safety building to provide enhanced services and safer spaces for personnel and equipment.
Recognition of Retiring and Newly/Re-elected Council Members
The official recognized council member Andrea Date for her dedicated service on the city council since 2017, expressing gratitude for her contributions. Additionally, a welcome was extended to re-elected council member Kim Wilson and newly elected council member Donna Stafford, with an anticipation of their engagement in the city's 2025 priorities.
Notable Quotes (8)
Woodbury residents approved the local option sales tax by a 24,165 26 vote providing important funding for the public safety campus project
the project can now be primarily funded through a 0.5% sales tax that is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025 funds from the sales tax will be dedicated solely to the project and will end when the funding reaches $50 million or in 20 years whichever comes first
A University of Minnesota study indicates we can expect non-residents to contribute about 53% of the sales tax revenue collected
The public safety campus will be able to build upon this commitment to our residents and Visitors by providing additional safer spaces for personnel and equipment and enhanced services
with a funding source now in place we're excited to finish the design of the public safety campus have a competitive construction bid process and begin Construction in 2026 our goal is to open the new campus in the second quarter of 2028
the project will include the city acquiring the adjacent Washington County service center and reconstructing it for Public Safety purposes as well as upgrading the current public safety building
I also want to take this opportunity to recognize retiring council member Andrea date who has served on the city council since 2017
I look forward to working with reelected council member Kim Wilson and newly elected council member Donna Stafford
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Ballot measure approved by Woodbury residents on November 5th to fund the Public Safety campus
Official city communication channel for providing detailed information to residents
Specific future edition of the city newsletter detailing 2025 priorities