Potential budget cut worries outstate Minn. officials

City and county officials say they're concerned about Governor Tim Pawlenty's plan to end the Legislative session and balance the budget on his own.

The Republican governor announced Thursday that he plans to sign the budget bills passed by Democrats, and then use line-item vetoes and his emergency budget-cutting authority to trim the budget. He said one of his targets for cuts is state aid to local governments.

Wayne Wolden, president of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, said hundreds of millions of dollars are at risk.

"We're looking at the largest state property taxes in Minnesota history," Wolden said. "And what does that mean for the average Minnesotan? It means their taxes will increase. Their services will decreases. Services like police, fire, parks and streets. It's all in jeopardy."

Wolden sent a letter to all 201 legislators urging them to strike a budget deal and avoid deeper cuts to Local Government Aid.