Convinced, the charter commission opted to buck recent history — the proposal has failed twice before since 2017 — and voted 12-3 to approve the recommendation. The charter amendment now goes to the city council, where it needs unanimous approval to pass.

With a contentious budget vote looming, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has told the city council that if they’re looking to save property owners from unpopular tax increases next year, they can start by canceling a planned $2 million renovation of council offices.

The St. Paul City Council's newest members flexed their muscles Wednesday night, voting 5-1 to approve a city budget they spearheaded despite Mayor Melvin Carter's concerns. Why it matters: The vote was a pivotal show of political gumption by four council members just completing their first year in office,

Council members urged scrutiny of police spending as Mayor Melvin Carter criticized the council budget as ‘accounting gimmicks.’

Wednesday night, the St. Paul City Council passed a budget that includes a 5.9% property tax increase instead of Mayor Melvin Carter’s proposed 7.9% hike. Carter says increase is necessary to maintain critical services including police and fire.

The St. Paul City Council voted 5-1 to approve the 2025 budget Wednesday evening. The version they approved included a 5.9% property tax increase. The increase is down from Mayor Melvin Carter’s original proposal at nearly 8%,