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Bill would raise city spending limit for free public musical entertainment to $10,000
Summary
Senate File 3374 would increase the annual expenditure limit for cities of the third class from $3,000 to $10,000 for free musical entertainment. Hibbing Mayor Pete Hajduk testified about the city band’s role in community life; an author's amendment was adopted and the bill was laid over as amended.
Senate File 3374, presented April 24, 2025 by Senator Farnsworth, proposes raising the annual limit cities of the third class may spend on free musical entertainment from $3,000 to $10,000. Senator Weber offered and the committee adopted an A1 author’s amendment; the bill as amended was laid over.
Pete Hajduk, mayor of Hibbing, testified that the city band is essential to community identity, draws crowds that support local businesses and provides intergenerational participation. “Our city band currently has 50 plus members and continually practicing and performing,” Hajduk said, noting the band has performed continuously since 1897.
Supporters argued the higher limit would cover rising costs for sheet music, equipment and other expenses for longstanding municipal bands and community performances. Senator Weber questioned the purpose of any limit; Mayor Hajduk said the proposal is intended to help small cities sustain cultural programming without exceeding prudent public spending.
The author’s A1 amendment was adopted by voice vote and Senate File 3374, as amended, was laid over for further consideration.
