Hermantown Council adopts 2025 levy and budget, approves hires, contracts and cannabis regulations

Hermantown City Council approved the final property tax levy collectible in 2025 and adopted the city's 2025 general fund budget at its meeting, alongside a package of staffing moves, contracts and ordinances.

The council adopted a $9,408,324 levy collectible in 2025 and a 2025 general fund budget of $8,891,017 as part of an overall $25,878,402 city budget. "The proposed levy is $9,408,324," said Mr. Mulder, a city staff member, while introducing the Truth in Taxation public hearing and urging residents the council could delay final action until year-end if desired. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

The council also approved personnel measures, including authorization to hire two additional police officers in the third quarter of 2025 and authorization to hire a full-time administrative assistant for 2025; the administrative assistant motion passed with two dissenting 'Nay' votes from Councillor Jones and Councillor LeBlanc.

On regulatory policy, the council approved on second reading two ordinances to regulate tetrahydrocannabinol sales and cannabis-related land uses. "This first ordinance has to do with section 405," said Mister Johnson of the planning staff, describing provisions that establish fees and licensing, limit retail cannabis businesses to one per 12,500 residents, create buffers from schools, daycares and parks, specify allowable zoning districts and hours of operation, and regulate low-potency hemp edibles (sales to people 21 and older and behind-the-counter requirements). Planning and Zoning recommended approval following its November 19 meeting.

Councilors sought and…