CALL TO ACTION: Make Your Voice Heard

City Budget Shortfall
Faced with a budget shortfall of $5 million for 2005 and millions more in coming years, Mayor Bergson recently suggested a 20% increase in the levy of the city's individual and commercial property taxes.

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce rose in powerful opposition to an extraordinarily large increase which does not provide a long-term solution to our city's long-term financial problem. The Chamber suggested instead at maximum an inflationary increase in combination with more innovative solutions that will effect long-term, positive change.

The Bergson administration remains resolute in support the substantial levy increase and affirmed that position before city councilors on Tuesday, September 7. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce believes the city can and must exhibit creative, responsible fiscal management without drastically increasing the financial burden on its individual and employer citizens.

Make Your Voice Heard
Mayor Bergson and our city councilors need to hear from you before they vote to raise the levy by 20%. They need to hear you describe how their decision will affect not only your home but your business. They will meet at 6:00pm Monday, September 13 in City Hall to discuss a maximum levy increase and will cast their vote during the 7:00pm council meeting.

At a minimum, contact our mayor and city councilors now to communicate you are concerned about the administration's lack of leadership in finding a long-term solution to our city's budget shortfall. Let them know a substantial levy increase will reduce your business's ability to prosper in Duluth.

Mayor Bergson can be reached at hbergson@ci.duluth.mn.us and 218.730.5230.
City Councilors can be universally emailed at council@ci.duluth.mn.us and 218.730.5740.
We urge you to attend the evening meeting on Monday, September 13 to communicate your concern in person to the administration and city council.