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Blaine council adopts preliminary 2026 property tax levy, schedules truth‑in‑taxation meeting for Dec. 1
Summary
The council certified a proposed 2026 property tax levy that staff said represents a 9.9% preliminary increase and set Dec. 1 for the public truth‑in‑taxation hearing; council members praised staff work but emphasized the levy is preliminary and subject to change.
Blaine’s City Council on Sept. 3 adopted a proposed property tax levy for collection in 2026 and set the truth‑in‑taxation public budget meeting for Dec. 1.
Director Jason Zimmerman told the council Minnesota statutes require cities to establish a proposed levy by Sept. 30 and described staff’s work to pare initial levy assumptions down from about 12% to a preliminary 9.9% increase. He said the proposal prioritizes preserving staffing levels, funding public safety and pre‑funding capital to reduce future borrowing costs.
Councilmember Chris Newland moved the resolution to certify the proposed levy and Councilmember Miss Solia seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.
Council members praised the budget process and staff engagement. Councilmember Miss Solia said she appreciated the “buzzer budget reduction exercises, the alternative funding, the staffing adjustments” that helped drive the preliminary figure down. Councilmember Robertson urged the public to remember the levy is preliminary and that a statement will arrive in November, saying this is not the final budget.
The council set the truth‑in‑taxation hearing for Dec. 1 and will consider final adoption at the Dec. 15 meeting after parcel‑specific notices are mailed by the county auditor. Zimmerman said the proposed statements will include other taxing authorities (county, school district, Met Council) as required by state guidance.
Next steps: the council will hold the Dec. 1 public budget hearing and return on Dec. 15 to adopt the final levy and budget, after which the county auditor will finalize property tax notices.
