St. Paul Seeks To Close Huge Projected Deficit

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The city of Saint Paul is trying to close a projected $10 million deficit.

Mayor Chris Coleman said Tuesday the solution is a property tax increase and changes at parking meters. He called for a 1.9-percent tax levy as part of his 2016 budget proposal.

He wants St. Paul meters enforced four hours longer, until 10 p.m. The extended meters could add $1.6 million to the budget.

New plans also include expanding the public libraries.

"I'm also announcing today that Superintendent Silva, Library Director Kit Hadley and I have set a goal of ensuring that every child in the city of St. Paul receives a public library card by the end 2017," Coleman said.

Other big initiatives include rebuilding the Rondo neighborhood and building the city's first universally-accessible playground at Victoria Park.