New Liquor Store, Bielenberg Financing, Budget Considerations: Woodbury Council Preview

The Woodbury City Council on Wednesday will hold its annual Truth in Taxation hearing on the budget, likely approve a liquor license for a new liquor store and possibly OK funding mechanisms for the Bielenberg Sports Center expansion project.

Check out the full agenda on the city’s website.

The city will open up the floor to residents for a public hearing on the 2013 budget, which is expected to be at about $61.8 million.

The proposed budget represents a 4.2 percent decrease from 2012.

The council will have three options regarding the levy, which distributes the tax burden. The proposed levy (about $28.8 million) has come down about $204,000 since previous budget talks.

If approved as presented, the levy would increase the tax impact on the average vale home by $6 in 2013, according to a council memo.

Woodbury will not increase rates for services next year.

Plans are in the works for a new liquor store at 779 Bielenberg Drive, suite 102, in Woodbury.

A public hearing is planned for a liquor license for Aqua Vitae Wines and Spirits. A criminal background check on the owner did not show anything that would preclude the issuance of the license.

Aqua Vitae is also seeking a tobacco license, which is on the consent agenda.

The city is planning a $21.8 million project to replace the bubble at the Bielenberg Sports Center with a permanent field house.

Plans also call for a new two-story lobby, third outdoor pleasure rink and improvements to the existing rinks.

The bulk of the project funding would come from general-obligation bonds.

The council will consider issuing $16.8 million in general-obligation tax-abatement bonds and $6.5 million in general-obligation park and open space refunding bonds.

• approve plans for the Woodbury Drive expansion project.
• accept a $3,200 grant from Target Corp. for the purchase of two GPS units for the Public Safety Department.
• hold public hearings related to the Bailey Lake and Dancing Waters developments.

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