Mpls. directs unspent $6M to vital services, upgrades, lowering tax levy

The Minneapolis City Council voted Friday on what to do with $6 million left over from last year's budget.

Nearly one-third of the unspent funds will be used to retain police and firefighter staff who were scheduled to be laid off. Several departments will receive money for computer system upgrades and other one-time expenses.

City officials said some departments found ways to cut costs and went under budget for the year. For example, both the police and fire departments saved by cutting overtime expenses. In total, the police department underspent its 2011 budget by a little more than $1 million.

Minneapolis property tax payers may also see some benefit. The city set aside nearly $1 million toward lowering next year's property tax levy.