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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, January 24,2011 Page 11 Rep. Greiling advised that if the City of Roseville were to ask for a local option sales tax without having a huge property tax base, it would probably not be looked upon favorable; due to the large amount of commercial businesses, unless they could make a case that the City couldn't continue providing basic services in their operating budget. Rep. Greiling opined that, if that was the case, this would be the time to ask for that funding based on the current financial climate, even though it would be a difficult task to sell. Rep. Greiling noted that Rep. Scalze chaired the Suburban Caucus and there were things received by other cities and counties that suburbs never asked for; and there should be certain equity in the comparisons. Councilmember Willmus questioned how a local sales tax option compared in this economy to that several years ago when the regional OVAL facility was funded. Rep. Greiling noted that the bonding bill that included a hotel tax for the OVAL was a bipartisan bill that she had carried, but didn't quite make it on it's own until taken out of the bill and funds provided for maintenance of the building, which so far, had been continued. Rep. Greiling advised that, if the legislature did not want to put it in the bonding bill, a local sales tax could be another option. Senator Marty noted that a minimal local sales tax for Roseville as a hotel tax would most likely be approved. Acting Mayor Pust questioned the legislative delegation's involvement in transit and/or public transportation options, specifically how to get the NE Diagonal back on track with the Metropolitan Council. Rep. Scalze noted the difficulties in transit governance with so many different people and no one accountable for anything; and further noted past bills attempt- ing to disseminate some of the power of the Metropolitan Council so it was represented by elected officials, such as county commissioners, not just by ap- pointment by the Governor, with different sets of standards depending on which party was in power. Rep. Scalze advised that the Legislative Auditor had men- tioned that as a potential change to ensure accountability. Rep. Greiling discussed ridership in the west versus east metropolitan areas and density of both areas; and the need to blend transit options to make them fair for all areas. Rep. Greiling noted that the new Chair of the Metropolitan Council was a big champion for transit, and should prove a good advocate for our area. Acting Mayor Pust questioned where the legislative delegation would attempt to find the $6.2 billion to resolve the state deficit.