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Forest Lake council adopts 2026 budget, sets levy at staff-proposed 7.9%
Summary
After a presentation by Finance Director Ellie Larkin and public comment, the Forest Lake City Council adopted the 2026 budget and set the property tax levy at a staff-proposed 7.9% increase, down from the preliminary 12.59% figure. Councilors said the levy balances infrastructure needs and staffing shortages.
Forest Lake — The Forest Lake City Council voted to adopt the 2026 budget and set the city’s property tax levy at a proposed 7.9% increase after a public presentation and community comment.
Finance Director Ellie Larkin told the council the 7.9% proposal reflects staff and council adjustments, use of the 2025 surplus and rollback of a capital equipment fund. ‘‘Staff is proposing a levy increase of 7.9% or an annual increase of a $102.88,’’ Larkin said during her presentation. She said the earlier preliminary levy…
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