Hennepin County leaders face fresh challenges in their push to convert the 0.15% sales tax that paid for Target Field into an ongoing revenue stream for the county’s two safety-net hospitals.
Extending a tax that’s set to expire is typically a tough prospect at the Legislature. A newly divided House and the expected sale of the Twins will certainly complicate the debate about the future of the tax when lawmakers return to the State Capitol on Jan. 15.
County leaders’ proposal to lawmakers is about more than just taxpayer funding for HCMC and North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale. The plans also include extending the Twins lease through 2059 and keeping subsidies for local libraries and youth activities.
If lawmakers do nothing, the sales tax, which equals about 3 cents on a $20 purchase, will sunset in 2025 after the county’s Target Field debt is paid off.
“I’m an eternal optimist,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Lunde, who co-chairs the County Board intergovernmental relations committee. Last session, efforts to convince lawmakers fell short, and county leaders have been laying the groundwork for a renewed push.
“This time, I think we are better prepared. We have a plan going in,” Lunde said.
The county’s plan for the tax
The 0.15% sales tax was created in 2006 with the approval of the Legislature to fund the county’s $355 million share of building Target Field. The ballpark opened in 2010 and the Twins are halfway through their initial 30-year lease.
If state lawmakers agree to extend the tax, Target Field would get about $10 million annually for capital projects to continually make improvements. The Twins pay all operating costs and are responsible for routine maintenance.