Rochester Mayor Vetoes Council Plan to Aid Salvation Army

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester Mayor Kim Norton has issued another veto.

It is the 10th veto issued by the mayor since she was first elected to the office in 2018. It involves a Council-Initiated Action approved on a 7–0 vote by the Rochester City Council at its meeting on December 1.

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The City Council action directed the use of $20,000 from 2025 contingency funds to support the Rochester Salvation Army. The money would be used for the Salvation Army rental assistance program and to provide security for volunteers and staff at the Salvation Army dental and medical programs.

City of Rochester

Why the Mayor Opposed the Funding

In issuing the veto, Mayor Norton stressed that her decision was based on several technical factors and “not a reflection of the policies, practices, or needs of the Salvation Army of Rochester.” She indicated that her veto “reflects my continued concern for good policymaking, solid processes, and improving practices to assure good governance and decision-making.”

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Mayor Norton contends the appropriation was an improper use of the Council-Initiated Action process and exceeds the legal limits on the use of taxpayer funds by the city. In explaining her veto, the mayor argues that using city funds to bolster security at the Salvation Army mainly benefits a private interest rather than a public purpose.

Google

Concerns Over Public Purpose and Policy

She contends that the safety issues faced by volunteers and staff at the Salvation Army are more widespread than a single organization. The mayor recommends the broader issue of safety in the downtown area be brought back for in-depth discussions involving the Rochester Police Department and city staff.

photo by Andy Brownell TSM-Rochester

The mayor also says the funding for rental assistance should have been separated from the portion of the resolution dealing with security issues. Norton suggested that another resolution dealing only with the rental assistance request could be brought to the City Council for future consideration.

Kim David, Townsquare Media

Potential Veto Override in January

The City Council is expected to take up a possible override of the mayor’s veto at its first meeting in January. Five of the mayor’s previous vetoes have been overridden.

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