Cottage Grove budget committee recommends 2026 draft budget; approves police station funding separately

The Village of Cottage Grove Budget Review Committee on Oct. 13 recommended the village's proposed 2026 draft budget to the Village Board and separately approved the police station project as presented in the 2026 budget.

Administrator Geezy summarized the package, saying the administration is recommending a levy just over $6,500,000 that, if approved as presented, "would result in a approximate $107 increase on the village's portion of the tax bill or 4.5% increase." Geezy told the committee the packet includes operating and capital highlights and that the recommendation from this committee will go to the Village Board and culminate in a public hearing in mid-November.

The recommendation follows department-by-department reviews that identified public-safety cost pressures — in police, fire and EMS — and several capital priorities. The committee approved the police station as a separate motion before recommending the overall budget.

Why it matters: the draft budget sets levy and capital priorities for the coming year, including a $16,300,000 police station project and recurring maintenance and road programs. The committee's recommendation sends the package to the Village Board for final consideration and public hearing.

Key items and figures - Proposed village levy: administration recommended slightly above $6.5 million (administration presented earlier draft figures of about $6,850,000 and a department-requests total near $6.9 million before reductions). - Estimated tax-bill impact: approximately $107 on the village portion of the tax bill (about a 4.5% increase) if the budget is adopted as proposed. - Major capital: new police station project listed at $16,300,000 in the capital budget request. - Other capital: annual road/sidewalk/trail maintenance (about $936,000 for repaving, $100,000 chip/crack fill…