Ramsey Panel to Hear from Public on Stadium Tax

NEW BRIGHTON  (AP) - A Ramsey County panel is holding a public hearing to discuss whether county voters should get to approve a proposed half-cent sales tax increase to help build a Minnesota Vikings stadium.

The hearing Wednesday night is near the proposed Arden Hills stadium site. Team owners and Ramsey County commissioners want to build a $1 billion stadium at the site of a former Army ammunition plant, to replace a Metrodome the team says is longer sufficiently profitable.

The proposal calls for the team, the state of Minnesota and Ramsey County to all kick in a portion of the cost, but some in Ramsey County are balking at the proposed sales-tax hike without a public vote.

Stadium supporters say the proposed tax would probably fail and risk the team's future in Minnesota.

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