Minneapolis leaders are divided over tax deadlock that could affect park funding

Minneapolis leaders remain divided over a tax deadlock that could affect property taxes and park funding, leaving the question of who is going to give ground.

The debate centers on the levy limit as officials face a Wednesday deadline.

“It’s so important that we maintain the quality of our parks,” Tom Olsen, president of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and a member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET), said.

Olsen adds he does not believe the parks department is causing this deadlock.

They’re seeking a funding increase of nearly 6% — Mayor Jacob Frey, who also sits on the tax board, feels that number should be 4%, which is a compromise from his original 2.5%.

“Across the board in the budget, we have drawn down the levy by finding areas of cuts. Every department has taken cuts, with the exception of one entity, and it’s the Park Board,&rdqu...