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Brainerd finance director outlines proposed 2026 budget, council schedules final levy decision
Summary
Finance Director Connie Hillman presented the City of Brainerd’s proposed 2026 budget and levy, describing a 4.75% proposed levy increase and plans to use one‑time aid to offset public safety costs; council closed the public hearing and will set the final levy Dec. 15.
Connie Hillman, Brainerd’s finance director, opened a public hearing Dec. 8 to present the city’s proposed 2026 budget and levy, telling the City Council the levy needed for 2026 is about $7.44 million — roughly a 4.75% increase from 2025 — and that the council will adopt a final levy at its Dec. 15 meeting.
Hillman summarized how Minnesota property valuations, sales‑ratio studies and statutory formulas produce tax capacity and then a tax rate. “The purpose of tonight's meeting is to discuss the city of Brainerd’s 2026 budget and levy and to allow for public input,” she told the council. She said estimated market values for the city increased about 1.6% for the 2026 pay year compared with 2025 and that residential property accounts for the…
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