WINONA, Minn. – The City Council voted 6-1 for a 2021 city budget that includes two mental health jobs in the police department to respond to non-violent domestic calls. The dissenter, Michelle Alexander, expressed support for the so-called “alternative response team” but balked at the cost. There will be a 4.8% tax levy to fund the change in the new city budget. Alexander said she could not support a penny in more taxes when many people are suffering financially due to the COVID crisis. Creation of the alternative response team was championed by Council President George Borzyskowski, who said he too opposed any tax increase — except for the police or fire departments.
