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Rochester council adopts 2026 budget and $118.3 million levy after debating cuts
Summary
After hours of debate and multiple failed amendments, the Rochester City Council approved a five-part motion adopting the 2026 operating and utility budgets, a $118,284,623 property-tax levy and a capital improvement plan; the measure passed 6–1 with Council member Palmer dissenting.
Rochester — The City Council voted 6–1 on Dec. 1 to adopt a five-part package that includes the 2026–27 operating budget, a 2026–31 capital improvement plan, a 2026 general tax levy of $118,284,623, the 2026–27 electric and water utility budgets, and related rate and tariff adjustments.
Administrator Zelms told the council the all-funds budget before the body totals $693,400,000, with approximately $421 million for day-to-day operations and about $246 million in capital projects. Zelms said the levy represents roughly a $6.6 million increase over the prior year and that the recommended net tax-capacity rate the city expects would be about 50.39% if adopted.
The vote followed a lengthy public hearing and several rounds of council amendments. Two members of the public addressed the levy: James…
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