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Forest Lake council adopts preliminary 2026 budget, sets maximum levy
Summary
Council adopted the preliminary 2026 budget (Resolution 0922503), setting a preliminary levy that staff said represents a 12.59% increase; the council set the truth-in-taxation hearing for December and noted the package funds staffing additions including four public-safety positions.
The Forest Lake City Council voted to adopt the city’s preliminary 2026 budget and to set the preliminary levy, advancing the city to the statutorily required truth-in-taxation process.
Mark, a member of city administration, told the council the preliminary package "amounts to a 12.59% increase in the levy." Staff presented supporting materials showing a preliminary levy total of $18,400,000 and a net levy after fiscal-disparities adjustments of $16,800,000. Staff also provided an estimate of the local impact — about $165 annually for a home valued at $391,000 — and said the proposed budget includes four positions in the public safety department (two officers, one patrol sergeant and one administrative position).
Staff summarized results from a city survey that showed most respondents supported inflationary increases to maintain current service levels and that top priorities included public safety, roads and parks. City staff noted the preliminary number sets a maximum; the final levy may be reduced but not increased before adoption.
A council member moved to adopt the preliminary budget resolution (0922503); a second was recorded and the council adopted the resolution by voice vote. The transcript records discussion about the balance between adding staff and limiting tax increases; council members encouraged public input ahead of the formal truth-in-taxation hearing in December.
The council directed staff to continue outreach and to prepare for the December hearing where the final levy will be set. The motion carried by voice vote; the record does not include individual roll-call tallies.
