Woodbury seeks voter approval for public safety expansion
The Woodbury City Council heard a presentation Wednesday about a proposed Public Safety Campus Project that would expand police and emergency services facilities. Voters will decide in November whether to fund the $50 million project through a temporary half-percent sales tax or reject it and face higher property taxes instead.
Police Commander Tom Arenberg outlined the need for the expansion, citing over 57,000 annual service calls and 215 programs operating out of overcrowded facilities at Balet Creek Road and Radio Drive. The project would also integrate the Washington County service center and address traffic safety concerns when emergency vehicles respond to calls.
The city is proposing a temporary half-percent sales tax to fund the project, with the question appearing on the November 5th general election ballot. According to a University of Minnesota study cited by Arenberg, about 53% of the sales tax revenue would come from non-residents, meaning visitors and people who work in Woodbury would shoulder more than half the burden.
The funding choice presents a stark contrast for residents. If the sales tax passes, property taxes would increase by approximately $13 annually for the remainder of the tax period. If voters reject the sales tax, the city would need to fund the project primarily through property taxes, resulting in an estimated $54 annual increase—roughly a third more expensive than the sales tax option.
No official vote was taken at Wednesday's meeting, as this was a presentation of information ahead of the November ballot measure. The city is encouraging public engagement through its website at mn.gov/investinsafety and local events. Residents interested in learning more about the project and funding options can visit that website for additional details.
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Votes (1)
Public Safety Campus Project Funding Proposal Presentation
Commander Tom Arenberg detailed the rationale for the Public Safety Campus Project, citing increased service calls (over 57,000 annually) and programs (215), existing overcrowding, and traffic safety concerns. The project aims to expand facilities at Balet Creek Road and Radio Drive, integrating the Washington County service center. He presented the proposed funding mechanism: a temporary half-percent sales tax, projected to end in a third of the time compared to property tax funding alone. It was noted that non-residents are expected to contribute 53% of the sales tax revenue. Two funding scenarios were contrasted: if the sales tax passes (requiring a $13 annual property tax increase for the remainder) versus if it fails (requiring an estimated $54 annual property tax increase, deemed a third more expensive). Public engagement through the city website and local events was encouraged.
Notable Quotes (4)
create an integrated Public Safety campus the public safety campus will alleviate traffic safety issues when emergency vehicles are responding to calls address workspace and equipment overcrowding and expand space to accommodate our service and program needs
The city is proposing a temporary half% sales tax to fund the public safety campus the sales tax question will be on the November 5th general election ballot
according to a University of Minnesota study non-residents May contribute about 53% of the sales tax revenue collected
if not passed most of the project will be paid for entirely from property taxes an estimated $54 annual increase in property taxes which is about a third more expensive of the two funding options
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
An initiative to expand and remodel the existing public safety building and integrate the Washington County service center to address operational needs.
A proposed temporary half-percent sales tax, capped at $50 million or 20 years, intended to fund the Public Safety Campus Project.
The ballot on which the sales tax question for the Public Safety Campus Project will be presented to voters.
Official website for more information on the project and funding options.
Source document
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