HF4876

Purpose

The bill changes how Edina’s local sales tax revenues can be used. It aims to clarify funding for specific city projects and set up bonding for those projects, with some items requiring a public vote.

What the bill changes

• It updates the rules for using Edina’s local sales tax revenues. The city would use these revenues to cover the costs of collecting and administering the tax and to pay for the listed projects (including costs tied to debt financing).

How funds would be used (projects and bonding)

The revenues may be used for bonding and project costs related to: - Fred Richards Park development, per the Fred Richards Park Master Plan (bonding costs included) - Braemar Park improvements, per the Braemar Park Master Plan (bonding costs included) - Design and construction of new public safety facilities (bonding costs included) - Tenant improvements to the Edina Art Center (bonding costs included) - A capital improvement plan for the Edina Aquatic Center (bonding costs included) - Design of the Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse (bonding costs included)

Note: The bill uses “associated bonding costs” to describe the debt-related costs tied to these projects.

Voting requirement and election timing

• For the projects listed as items 3 through 6 (the public safety facilities, Edina Art Center tenant improvements, Edina Aquatic Center improvements, and Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse design), use of the sales tax revenues would require voter approval at the November 3, 2026 general election.

Notable references

• The bill continues to operate within the framework of existing law that governs local sales tax bonds and debt, including certain provisions that require a public vote for major projects.

Impact overview

• Local finance: Enables Edina to issue bonds and use sales tax revenue to fund multiple capital projects.
• Governance: Adds a voter-approval requirement for several major projects, shifting some funding decisions to residents via the 2026 election.
• Planning: Aligns project funding with master plans for parks and facilities and explicit management of debt costs.

Relevant terms - Edina - local sales tax revenues - bonding costs - Fred Richards Park - Braemar Park - Fred Richards Park Master Plan - Braemar Park Master Plan - public safety facilities - Edina Art Center - Edina Aquatic Center - Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse - voter approval - November 3, 2026 general election - associated bonding costs - Minnesota Statutes 297A.99