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Shakopee EDA approves preliminary 2026 levy of $550,000 and 2026 budget amid debate over program spending
Summary
The Shakopee Economic Development Authority approved a preliminary 2026 levy of $550,000 and the 2026 budget after debate over a proposed $50,000 annual transfer to the city general fund, TAP event funding, and ongoing Main Street support; both measures passed 3–2.
The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) on Sept. 2 approved a preliminary 2026 special benefit levy of $550,000 and adopted the 2026 EDA budget after extended discussion about an added $50,000 annual transfer to the city general fund and continuing program spending for TAP and Main Street initiatives.
EDA staff presenter Nate Reinhart described the levy and proposed budget, saying the EDA levy cap for 2026 is “a little over $1,500,000” and that staff is proposing a $50,000 annual transfer to the city general fund “to better reflect the full cost of EDA operations” (administrative support such as finance, HR, IT and communications). Reinhart said the EDA also expects contributions from the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission of about $335,000 and other event/fund‑specific revenue streams when estimating total EDA resources.
Commissioners and council‑representatives debated whether the $50,000 should be a flat amount or a percentage, whether it should come from the existing EDA levy, and whether certain programs should continue to be supported by EDA funds. Commissioner comments asked whether TAP (a downtown tapped beer event) and Main Street support should remain EDA‑funded, whether TAP revenues and expenses were correctly characterized (staff noted SPUC underwrites TAP event funds), and whether Main Street’s $25,000 sponsorship should be reexamined or require clearer reporting on program outcomes. One commissioner asked staff to bring Main Street representatives to a future meeting to explain program deliverables.
After debate, the EDA moved and seconded the preliminary levy resolution (E2025‑2) for $550,000 and approved it by a 3‑to‑2 vote. The EDA then moved and seconded adoption of the 2026 budget (E2025‑3); that measure also passed 3‑to‑2. Commissioners discussed that the preliminary levy can be adjusted by the City Council later; staff offered to provide additional analysis on the proposed $50,000 transfer and on program outcomes for TAP and Main Street prior to Council review.
Separately, the EDA also approved a five‑year lease for Delicius Delicius Ice Cream Cravings LLC (see separate article) during the same meeting.
