Tensions High As Mpls. Approves 2011 Budget

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Despite the cold temperatures, tensions were hot at a property tax meeting Monday night in Minneapolis. After a long, heated meeting, the Minneapolis City Council voted to approve the 2011 city budget just after midnight.

It includes a nearly 5 percent increase in property taxes. But 35 percent of homeowners will see a 15 percent increase and others will get a 7-and-a-half percent increase.

Also, households in the city face a 3-percent increase in utility charges, around $2.25 extra each month.

Some homeowners say this is getting out of control and they don't know what to do.

"I might have to stop paying my taxes, I don't know. I'm angry enough to do something drastic. I'm not buying Christmas presents for anybody. That's normal now because we just don't have increases like the government," said Jeannine McCormick of Minneapolis.

The budget will cut city workers by 80, meaning 32 fewer firefighters and 24 fewer police officers.

Also, the budget affords less money for affordable housing and restricts the budgets of neighborhoods.

WCCO-TV's Angela Davis Reports