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Council adopts 2026 levy and budget; final levy reduced to just under 9% after staff adjustments
Summary
Dilworth council approved the final 2026 property tax levy and adopted the 2026 budget; staff said the levy was lowered to just under 9% from an earlier figure, the general fund levy is roughly $3.1M, and debt service accounts for about one‑third of the annual budget.
City staff presented the city’s proposed 2026 property tax levy and the full 2026 budget and answered council questions about numbers and assumptions. Peyton summarized changes that reduced the preliminary levy to just under 9% after accounting for higher interest revenues and other tweaks. "The gist of it all is we lowered it to just under 9%," Peyton said.
Perry (finance staff) noted some favorable offsets such as lower workers’ compensation and fuel costs and highlighted interest revenue that has helped cushion the budget. Staff discussed that roughly one‑third of the general fund is currently dedicated to debt service, which constrains annual spending flexibility.
Council discussed the levy’s distribution and impacts on a typical property‑tax statement and emphasized that the council stands behind budget choices because of what the money funds—staff, contracts and capital projects. After public comment opportunity and brief discussion, the council approved Resolution 25‑72 adopting the final levy and then approved the 2026 budget by voice vote.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 25‑72 (2026 final property tax levy): approved by voice vote (motion by Nash; second Steichen). - Approval of 2026 budget: approved by voice vote (motion by Nash; second Peterson).
Next steps: staff will publish levy and budget documents and implement the 2026 fiscal plan.
