Advertisement
Two major projects planned by Winona’s Port Authority for 2009 spurred part of the levy increase, which the City Council passed unanimously and with little discussion.
The city’s share of the levy would increase 3.9 percent to about $5.98 million under the proposal, while the Port Authority levy would climb by more than 50 percent to $514,280.
The authority — which previously has sold land to sustain much of its operations — now has sold most of its property and must levy more in taxes to continue its economic-development efforts, authority director Judy Bodway told the council.
The authority will use part of its share to build a $2 million dock on Winona’s commercial harbor and to raze the former Winona Chrysler and Charter Communications buildings on Fourth Street and build parking lots.
The council may not increase taxes more than the amount approved on Tuesday night, though it may choose to levy less when it approves its final budget in December.
Dynamic sign law OK’d
The council approved a proposal to restrict certain electronic signs that flash, move or change displays — but loosened a controversial provision that critics said would discourage businesses from buying the signs.
Winona planning commissioners endorsed the proposal — which would apply to so-called “dynamic signs” located in front of businesses — earlier this month, saying it would remove dangerous distractions from local roads.
Other Minnesota cities also have laws limiting sign brightness and the frequency with which the sign displays may change.
The proposal approved on Tuesday limits the signs to changing displays once every eight seconds — a change from the version approved by planning commissioners, which limited the change to once every five minutes.
Local sign companies have opposed the five-minute provision of the proposal, arguing it is so restrictive that it would eliminate the incentive for businesses to purchase dynamic signs.
