Minn. county officials propose changes to save cash

Minnesota county officials aim to save the state almost $1 billion in the next few years via a slew of proposals they acknowledge aren't widely supported.

Officials from the Association of Minnesota Counties said in a press conference Tuesday that counties could patrol all roads except freeways.

They say that would free up the state highway patrol to focus on accident services and major crimes, saving an estimated $275 million in the trunk highway fund.

Their proposal also seeks to redesign the state's court and correctional systems and replace current county aid programs with a half-percent statewide sales tax. That way counties wouldn't have to depend on dwindling state aid.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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