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Edina council hears extended testimony on proposed 8.96% levy as staff recommend six firefighter-paramedics
Summary
At a Dec. 2 public hearing the City of Edina reviewed a manager's final proposed levy of 8.96% for 2026, which includes funding for six firefighter-paramedics; residents urged more hires to improve EMS response times. The council kept the record open through Dec. 7 and plans final action Dec. 16.
Mayor Hovland opened a statutorily required public hearing on the city's proposed 2026 property-tax levy at the Dec. 2 Edina City Council meeting. City Manager Neal and Finance Director Pa Thao presented the manager's final proposal: an 8.96% levy increase for 2026 that staff said would fund six additional firefighter-paramedics beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
"Our city manager final proposed is coming to you tonight at a 8.96% for 2026, which includes 6 firefighter paramedics for '26," Finance Director Pa Thao told the council as she outlined the budget drivers and alternatives staff had identified. Pa Thao said the city's consolidated 2026 budget is roughly $224,000,000 and that staff had identified about $2,460,000 in one-time alternative fundings to offset…
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