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Mantorville council sets preliminary levy at 13%
Summary
The Mantorville City Council on Sept. 8 voted 5-0 to set a preliminary levy of 13% for 2026 (Resolution 2025-32). Officials cited rising costs — including a 57% jump in state water‑testing fees and higher energy and insurance expenses — and noted the preliminary levy can be lowered but not increased when the final levy is set.
The Mantorville City Council voted 5-0 on Sept. 8 to adopt a preliminary levy of 13% for 2026 under Resolution 2025-32. Councilmember Jim Potter moved the resolution and Councilmember Kim Boyum seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
City staff told the council that the 2026 budget faces several cost pressures: Minnesota Department of Health water‑testing fees are projected to rise by 57%, Xcel Energy costs are expected to increase about 9.6%, employee insurance premiums may climb roughly 6.5%, and a $10,000 allocation for SEMMCHRA housing rehabilitation was noted as a new need. Staff emphasized the preliminary levy may be reduced before the final levy is adopted but cannot be raised after being set.
The preliminary levy fixes the upper bound for what the city can levy in 2026; setting it now gives staff time to refine estimates and consider cuts or offsets before final adoption. The council did not adopt a final levy at that meeting; the final levy and budget will be determined at a subsequent meeting after additional cost details are received.
Provenance: The council discussed budget pressures and approved Resolution 2025-32 to set a preliminary 13% levy (first noted and voted in SEG 028–SEG 029).
