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Savage mayor outlines $26.6 million budget, invites residents to State of the City
Summary
Mayor Christine Kelly invited residents to a State of the City at the Savage Tap and said the city’s 2026 budget is $26.6 million — about $2 million higher than last year — with more than 70% earmarked for city employees; she estimated a typical homeowner would pay about $145 per month in city property taxes.
Christine Kelly, mayor of Savage, invited residents to a State of the City address at the Savage Tap and outlined the city’s budget plans for 2026, saying the topline is $26.6 million.
“Our budget this year is $26.6 million,” Kelly said, adding that it is “about $2 million more than it was last year.” She told listeners the city begins yearly budget work in April and urged residents to engage in the process.
Kelly said personnel costs account for the lion’s share of spending. “Most of our budget goes to people. Over 70% pays for the people who keep our city running and their benefits,” she said, and added that the city plans to add three new positions to expand services.
She also noted non‑payroll operating costs are rising: software licenses, fuel for city vehicles and electricity were singled out as unavoidable expenses that contribute to the increase.
Kelly outlined how the budget translates to local taxes. She said the typical Savage home is worth about $417,700 and that, at that value, homeowners would pay roughly $145 a month in city property taxes. She said those revenues fund “police and fire protection 24/7,” parks and trails, and street maintenance.
The mayor closed by inviting residents to attend the State of the City at the Savage Tap, saying the city staff and the Savage Chamber will be on hand to answer questions. She said there is “a lot more I want to tell you about what we’re planning for 2026” and reiterated the budget process begins every April.
