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Council approves 2026 property tax levy after debate over EDA purchases
Summary
After a heated exchange over an Economic Development Authority land purchase, the Shakopee City Council approved the 2026 property tax levy and EDA levy; critics urged keeping levies flat while supporters said EDA investments and job attraction justify the spending.
The Shakopee City Council on Dec. 16 voted to adopt resolutions approving the 2026 Economic Development Authority levy and the city property tax levy after extended debate over the use of EDA funds.
Council member Delaney urged holding the EDA levy flat and criticized a recent EDA land purchase, saying taxpayers shouldn’t underwrite what should have been a public sale. “Growth should pay for itself,” Delaney said, arguing the city’s purchase and cleanup of the site meant taxpayers bore what should have been a private sale.
Councilor Whiting and others countered that the EDA’s role is to acquire and remediate blighted property to attract investment. “You have to spend money to make money,” Whiting said, defending the strategy and pointing to recent private-sector job announcements as evidence the approach can pay off.
Councilors discussed differing priorities and the limits on local control imposed by other levels of government. Mayor Lehmann framed the question around affordability and long‑term fiscal tradeoffs, noting concern about future TIF districts and how they may affect services.
The property tax levy and related budget resolutions were put to a roll call and passed by a 3–2 vote. The council also adopted the EDA levy resolution that funds the authority’s work.
What happens next: the council’s action sets levy and budget authority for 2026; staff will implement the adopted budget and carry forward EDA activities. Councilors who voted against the measures said they plan to continue pressing for tighter spending priorities.
Sources: Council discussion and motions at the Dec. 16 Shakopee City Council meeting.
