International Falls Council certifies 6.1% levy for 2026, earmarks $207,437 for ambulance fund
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Summary
The International Falls City Council voted Dec. 15 to certify a 6.1% tax levy for 2026 and adopt the 2026 budget, allocating $207,437 in levy dollars directly to the ambulance fund — a new, dedicated levy measure intended to reduce the service's multi-year deficit.
The International Falls City Council on Dec. 15 approved the city—s 2026 budget and certified a 6.1% levy increase, directing $207,437 of new levy revenue specifically to the city—s ambulance fund.
The move follows months of budget discussions and a push to stabilize emergency medical services that the council has subsidized for more than a decade. Mayor read brief budget background and staff confirmed the certified levy increase of 6.1% compared with the prior year; councilors said roughly 5% of the levy change was for ambulance funding and 1.1% for operating expenses.
Why it matters: the city has operated the ambulance service at a deficit for years, and council members said the direct levy allocation provides an immediate revenue stream to reduce the shortfall. Councilors discussed using some of the levy to begin replenishing city reserves and to cover last-minute cost increases such as insurance and personnel payouts.
Council action and debate: Councillor Holden moved to approve the budget and Councillor Wagner seconded. During the vote one council member opposed the measure on the record, but the motion carried and the budget was certified. Councillors emphasized the levy decision reflects trade-offs: the mayor said the city —owns— the ambulance service and its operating losses, while others noted the city has not previously levied directly into the ambulance fund.
Details and next steps: staff said the levy must be certified before year—s end and that the certified figure will be transmitted to the county for tax‑collection calculations. The council also discussed continuing to seek intergovernmental solutions to cover ambulance costs beyond the 2026 budget year, including a possible county taxing district.
The council concluded that the levy certification preserves ambulance operations for the coming year while county staff work on longer-term funding options.
