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Eden Prairie mayor urges civility after heated levy hearing; council reaffirms service commitment
Summary
Mayor Ron Case addressed remarks made at December’s levy hearing, called for respectful discourse and said the council remains committed to balancing tax impacts with city services.
Mayor Ron Case used the council’s Jan. 7 meeting to respond to inflammatory remarks made at the council’s December levy hearing, and to ask residents for respectful engagement.
Speaking for the council, Case said the levy sets the city’s portion of property taxes and that council members weigh funding decisions against their impacts on residents. "We commit to being the best representatives we can be," Case said, adding the council will "listen to you all when you call us or write us, incorporating your thoughts and suggestions into our decision making processes." He said the council recognized the hardship tax increases can cause while noting levy revenue funds public safety, infrastructure, parks, recreation and community amenities.
Case said only two residents spoke at the December public hearing on the levy and that both had "legitimate concerns about their personal home tax increases" but that their remarks were "laced with perceived threats" and inflammatory rhetoric that prompted calls to the mayor expressing shock. Council members spoke in support of Case’s remarks and urged respect for the office and democratic process.
The comments were made as part of the meeting’s opening remarks; no formal action was taken.
