It's tough being a Minnesota border town, especially when business tax incentives are being doled out across the river.

That's what Taylors Falls officials say is happening there, so they're seeking legislative permission to become a border city development zone, which would let them provide commercial and industrial tax breaks, reports the House Information Office.

Only five other Minnesota cities have the border city development zone designation: Breckenridge, Dilworth, East Grand Forks, Moorhead and Ortonville.

Taylors Falls is across the border from St. Croix Falls, Wis., and Mayor Michael Buchite said it's difficult to lure businesses into town because of Wisconsin's lower property tax rates. Getting a bill passed for the border zone designation would "give us at least the opportunity to compete," he said.

The bill was approved Monday by the House Local Government Division but still faces many other hearings in both chambers.

Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) said he wishes similar tax incentives could be applied throughout the state to make it more competitive.