Passing a half-percent local option sales tax through the legislature could be difficult, said Dan Dorman.

Monday, November 19, 2001

Passing a half-percent local option sales tax through the legislature could be difficult, said Dan Dorman. But he thinks supporters can at least expect a thorough hearing on the issue.

Dorman (R-Albert Lea) said the sales tax will have to be a part of an omnibus tax bill to be approved. But the session may not even have such a bill.

&uot;Technically, this is our bonding session, so a tax bill may or may not happen,&uot; Dorman said. &uot;But regardless, we’re at least going to get a hearing – a chance to make our case.&uot;

Though Dorman is sponsoring the house version of the bill, he’s not actually drafting it. With the help of a house research staffer, city officials and representatives from Destination: Albert Lea will construct the bill. The tax is a local issue with local people behind it.

&uot;I’m still consulting with the city and the people from Destination: Albert Lea. I have a clear mandate to carry this and fight for it, especially with a unanimous vote from the city council,&uot; Dorman said.

Albert Lea may not have the only local option sales tax bill before the legislature. Both Hermantown and St. Cloud are also considering a run at approval, said Dorman.

&uot;They’ve both tried before to pass the tax. I wouldn’t be surprised to those two cities again,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m not sure if that helps or hurts our chances.&uot;

If the tax can clear the legislature, Dorman thinks Gov. Jesse Ventura will not line-item veto the measure as he did with funding for the Greater Jobs, Inc. business incubator last session.

&uot;From what I hear from his staff, Gov. Ventura sees the sales tax as a local control issue. I don’t think he would be opposed to it as long as the local voters have the ultimate say,&uot; Dorman said.

The sales tax, which will fund a series of lake and downtown improvements, was passed by the city council last week. With lawmaker approval, a referendum will decide the tax’s fate next November.