Blaine leaders try to balance keeping taxes down amid rising population

Blaine leaders are weighing a property tax increase as the fast-growing suburb says it needs more money to keep up with growth.

The Blaine City Council has a Monday evening meeting where they will discuss a potential 8.9% tax increase. Mayor Tim Sanders told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the increase is tied to inflation, public safety and infrastructure for a growing population.

“Blaine is a very hot market and has been with a lot of new constructions going on there. They’re building quite a few homes. They are one of the top 4 markets in the Twin Cities area,” said Joel Friday, a realtor with Keller Williams Classic.

He said Blaine draws people for youth sports, golf, open land and affordability.

The city is now considering what could amount to a tax increase of 8.9% for residents.

“We knew we had to grow up as a city,” said Sanders. “We were kind of that small, medium-sized city and becoming one of the top 10 cities in t...