St. Paul looks to colleges, hospitals and nonprofits in a tight budget year - Jessie Van Berke,l Star Tribune

Facing a 2018 budget crunch, St. Paul is considering voluntary payment programs since the city cannot force its many tax-exempt organizations, like hospitals, churches and colleges, to pay up. As St. Paul stares down a 2018 budget crunch, some city leaders are eyeing property owners who don’t have to pay taxes and wondering: would they contribute? The city cannot force its many tax-exempt organizations, like hospitals, churches and colleges, to pay up. But some people are curious if voluntary payment programs, which have worked for cities like Boston and Providence, could be replicated here. http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-looks-to-colleges-hospitals-and-nonprofits-in-a-tight-budget-year/434706603/