Trimont council approves proposed 2026 tax levy, delegates cannabis licensing and OKs several capital and personnel actions

The Trimont City Council on Sept. 15 approved a slate of budget and administrative measures including a proposed tax levy for 2026, delegation of cannabis retail registration to Martin County, and several capital and personnel steps.

The council voted unanimously to advance the proposed tax levy (Resolution 2025-12), which staff said includes $100,000 in capital spending. According to staff figures presented at the meeting, a $100,000 home would see an estimated annual tax increase of $61.12 and a $200,000 home an estimated $153.95 under the proposal; meeting minutes also recorded staff’s presentation of a 39.1% increase and a separate notation of a “104.2% tax rate.” The council approved the levy proposal 5-0; the levy will proceed through remaining statutory notice and hearing steps before any final certification.

The council also approved Resolution 2025-11 to delegate local authority for cannabis retail registration to Martin County (5-0). Council members said the delegation follows guidance from the League and city attorney and directed the mayor and clerk to follow up with county contacts.

On personnel and benefits, the council voted 5-0 to pay 50% of the MN Paid Leave premium for employees. The council approved advertising for a police-position recruitment and directed Mayor Kevin Kuehl and Council Member Bradford Flohrs to modify the advertisement language.

On capital and operations, councilors approved contracting Bevcomm to install a new internet firewall; authorized public advertisement for bids for new overhead doors at the Fire Hall (including openers, photo eyes and an external antenna); and approved payment of bills presented on the consent agenda, which included invoices to Bolton & Menk and South Central Electric Association.

Council action on property and land-use matters included approving zoning permits on the agenda, rescinding a conditional-use requirement for a crematory after attorney advice, approving a chicken permit for 250 Chestnut St E (with containment conditions) and approving a farmland rental agreement for $21,730 plus half the property taxes ($2,672) for a total of $24,372.

Megan Morgan asked the council to revisit a past decision on sewer charges; the council voted 5-0 to credit $16,000 of sewer charges on that account. Public Works reported ongoing repairs including boring a new line under a damaged driveway at 131 Main St E and efforts to fix a shut-off valve at Anderson Park before year-end.

Council approved the Cultural Resources Report and tabled contracting for ordinance codification pending later consideration. Council also introduced Ordinance 2025-03 (prohibiting boulevard planting) and completed its first reading (5-0).

One personnel contract vote drew a recorded abstention: Resolution 2025-13, a contract with a city official, passed with a 4-0 vote and Mayor Kevin Kuehl recorded as abstaining.

The council set a public hearing for Dec. 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

Votes at a glance: 1) Introduce Ordinance 2025-03 (first reading) — approved 5-0; 2) Resolution 2025-11 (delegate cannabis retail licensing to Martin County) — approved 5-0; 3) Resolution 2025-12 (proposed tax levy payable in 2026) — approved 5-0; 4) Resolution 2025-13 (contract with city official) — approved 4-0, Mayor abstained; 5) Approve Bevcomm firewall contract — 5-0; 6) Authorize bids for Fire Hall overhead doors — 5-0; 7) Approve credit of $16,000 in sewer charges — 5-0; 8) Approve farmland rental ($21,730 + half taxes) — 5-0.

The council directed staff to follow up on the infrastructure funding prospect and to proceed with bid advertisement for the Fire Hall doors; the levy and ordinance will return for later hearings or subsequent readings as required by ordinance and statute.