Minnetonka’s city council has advanced a plan to fund a wide range of community projects through a half-cent local sales tax. If approved by the Minnesota Legislature, it would ultimately be presented to Minnetonka voters this November.

The Minnetonka Together plan would rebuild the city’s two oldest fire stations, reinvest in The Marsh wellness center, enhance Opus as a more community-friendly gathering space and complete trail improvements for better connectivity, mobility and accessibility.

“Minnetonka’s population swells each day as thousands of people travel to our community to work, shop and enjoy other regional attractions,” said Minnetonka City Manager Mike Funk. “This plan helps us address community needs and share the cost with visitors who come to our city to use our amenities.”

To fund the $116.1 million plan without increasing property taxes, the city council is seeking legislative approval to allow voters to consider a half-cent local sales tax in November.

If approved, just over half the tax, or $63 million, would be paid by nonresidents, according to a University of Minnesota study. The tax would remain in place for up to 30 years, or until enough money is raised to pay for the projects and related financing costs.

Visit MinnetonkaTogether.com for more information and to submit your questions.