The St. Paul City Council yesterday adopted a resolution calling for "no countywide tax" for a new Vikings stadium, according to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The resolution, "adopted with minimal discussion, opposed a Ramsey County half-cent sales tax increase that would help pay for a new $1 billion stadium in Arden Hills." Through the sales tax, the county "would be expected to pay" $350M. The Vikings would pay $407M and the state $300M "through an as-yet-undetermined revenue source." Also at issue is "who would pay millions in road upgrades near the site." Olson notes the stadium proposal is "in limbo as long as the state budget remains under discussion" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/7). In St. Paul, Horner & Melo report St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is "calling on the mayors of 15 Ramsey County cities to help him derail plans" for the 0.5% countywide sales tax. Coleman yesterday "emailed a 'call to action' to more than 30 city officials" from Ramsey County communities, "asking them to write letters of opposition to the governor's office, county commissioners and state lawmakers." The e-mail "includes a suggested form letter to the governor's office, as well as a sample resolution, similar to the one approved" by the St. Paul City Council. Ramsey County city officials said that they "would likely begin discussing Coleman's letter next week" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 7/7).
ROOF ABOUT READY: In St. Paul, Charley Walters notes "approximately 100 of 106 panels of the new $18 million roof for the Metrodome have been installed, and completion is expected by Aug. 1." The roof is expected to be "inflated within a week or so." Walters notes the Metrodome "has been providing small pieces of fabric from the collapsed roof as souvenirs to people taking tours of the stadium." Individuals from "about 30 states" also have "called or sent requests for the four-inch by four-inch fabric pieces" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 7/7).
