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Minnesota special districts report $5.4B debt, federal aid declines
Minnesota's special districts reported $5.4 billion in long-term debt in 2023 and increasingly relied on state funding as federal aid declined following the pandemic.
Special districts generated $1.6 billion in government fund revenue in 2023, with state grants accounting for 37%, charges for services and taxes each contributing 16%, and federal grants making up 14%.
Federal grants decreased by 16% and local grants dropped 28% from 2022, while state grants increased by 23% to help offset losses.
Four entities were responsible for 80% of all special district long-term debt, and State Auditor Julie Blaha emphasized the need for stable funding from federal, state, and local governments.