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Forest Lake finance director outlines levy options; council hears public concerns during Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing
Summary
Finance Director Ellie Larkin presented two 2026 levy scenarios — a September preliminary levy of 12.59% and a revised staff/council proposal of 7.9% — at a public hearing where residents questioned home valuations, park-dedication spending and local services. The council had a resolution for the 2026 levy under consideration but no vote is recorded in the transcript.
Finance Director Ellie Larkin told residents at Forest Lake City’s Truth‑in‑Taxation public hearing that the city is working from two levy scenarios: a 12.59% preliminary levy adopted in September and a staff-and-council proposal that would lower the final levy to 7.9%. Larkin said the lower figure reflects changes including removal of an originally proposed additional patrol sergeant, adjusted start dates for new positions to reduce first‑year costs, an increase in franchise fees and use of a 2025 surplus and capital fund options to offset expenses.
"As we looked at it as our proposed levy at 7.9%, the average home value increase for the portion of property taxes you would pay would be a $102.84…
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