Hennepin County officials struck out at the legislature this year in their attempt to win approval to continue charging residents for the sales tax that’s paid for Target Field. But they’re more determined than ever to prevent the .015 percent sales tax that’s done its job from expiring as the law currently calls for.
Instead of taking a victory lap with taxpayers when Target Field gets paid off, the Star Tribune indicates Hennepin County commissioners want to perpetuate the tax for years to come. The county board thinks they have what the doctor ordered to make it happen by directing tens of millions of dollars from the sales tax to two frontline hospitals.
Most of the ongoing money from the converted tax would go to HCMC and North Memorial, which would split about $40 million each year. That money would help offset both hospitals’ growing costs of uncompensated care, for treating patients without insurance who cannot pay.
Additionally, the sales tax revenue would help fund an estimated $1.5 billion inpatient facility HCMC hopes to build on its campus in Minneapolis. Hennepin County owns the hospital’s infrastructure, while a nonprofit public-benefit corporation operates HCMC and other clinics.
There’s a laundry list of beneficiaries enlisted to drum up support for keeping the sales tax revenue stream flowing. Youth activities and libraries would continue to collect $2 million apiece each year, while the Twins would rake in $10 million annually for stadium upkeep.
David Hough, county administrator, said converting the tax would provide important support for a public amenity as well as help pay for health care for residents who are struggling.
“If we don’t maintain it, who will? We don’t want to ask the state Legislature,” Hough said of the infrastructure in and around Target Field. He added: “Both North Memorial and HCMC need to be viable. They provide critical care to those in need.”
Yet the county faces an arguably more challenging landscape in St. Paul next year. There will be a divided legislature that’s expected to complicate the process, particularly when it comes to taxes.
Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, who hopes to continue her role on the House tax committee, noted that the DFL-led Legislature increased Hennepin County sales taxes by 1% in 2023. She agrees the county’s two safety-net hospitals need more dedicated public funding, but wants county leaders to explore other options.
“Residents are asking for tax relief,” Robbins said. “The county needs to reassess its priorities.”
There’s another complicating factor. The Twins remain up for sale and lawmakers will be watching closely to see who buys the team.