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Eagan council certifies preliminary 2026 levy of $57.54 million, schedules Truth-in-Taxation hearing Dec. 2
Summary
The council certified a preliminary payable-2026 property tax levy of $57,540,700 and a preliminary 2026 general fund budget of $59,527,400, and set the required Truth-in-Taxation public hearing for Dec. 2.
The Eagan City Council on Sept. 2 certified a preliminary payable-2026 property tax levy of $57,540,700 and a preliminary 2026 general fund budget of $59,527,400, and scheduled the Truth-in-Taxation public hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
"The city council is required by law to certify the proposed payable 2026 budget and property tax levy on or before Sept. 30," Miss Miller said. Finance Director Josh Feldman told the council the proposed levy represents an 8.9% increase over 2025 and the general fund budget represents an increase of about 8% (approximately $4.4 million) over the 2025 budget.
Feldman and staff identified several drivers of the increase: bond payments for renovation of the community center (about 1.9% of the levy increase), proposed new positions including a mechanic and GIS position, cost-of-living adjustments for staff, higher health-insurance costs, and a new state requirement for paid family leave. Feldman also noted that some public-safety positions originally funded with one-time state aid have been phased toward long-term city funding, which increases levy pressure.
The staff memo estimates the city portion of taxes on the average-value home ($426,272) will increase by roughly $140 compared with 2025; staff explained much of the tax change reflects both the levy increase and statewide property-value changes. Miss Miller said the levy certified tonight may be reduced before Dec. 2 but cannot be increased after certification.
Councilor Hanson moved to approve the preliminary levy and budget and to set the Dec. 2 public hearing; the motion included line-item levy amounts: operating $46,253,100; capital $6,364,710; abatement $1,048,000; debt service $3,874,890; total $57,540,700. The motion carried on voice vote.
Staff emphasized the Dec. 2 Truth-in-Taxation hearing as the forum for more detailed public comment and a more formal presentation of the budget; staff offered one-on-one meetings to walk interested residents through property-specific tax impacts.
