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Edina council discusses preliminary levy, firefighting hires amid public concern over tax burden
Summary
Council members and city staff defended the preliminary 2026 levy and explained that proposed firefighter hires are the main driver of a higher preliminary rate; a resident urged more transparency and warned of continued double‑digit increases.
A resident criticized the city’s budget process and warned of future double‑digit property tax levies, prompting council members and staff to explain the city’s preliminary levy and staffing plans.
At the start of public comment, resident Ralph Sickert said the city’s levy trajectory was alarming and blamed a lack of transparency from city management and the council. He referenced prior comments and media interviews in which he said as much as a 15% property tax increase could be necessary in coming years.
The council and city staff responded during the…
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