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St. James council sets 2026 levy at 6.05% and adopts $19.5M-plus budget; approves two zoning ordinances
Summary
The St. James City Council adopted a 2026 property tax levy reduced to 6.05% from a proposed 7.85% and approved a 2026 city budget reported as just over $19.5 million. The council also approved second readings and publication language for two zoning ordinances affecting highway commercial and annexed properties.
The St. James City Council on Dec. 16 adopted a 2026 property tax levy of 6.05% and formally approved the city's 2026 budget, which staff described at the meeting as "just over 19.5 million." The actions were passed by voice vote during the council's regular meeting.
At a previous truth-in-taxation hearing on Dec. 2, staff said the levy had initially been proposed at 7.85% and was reduced to 6.05% after subsequent consideration. Council adopted Resolution 12.25.05 to set the levy and directed staff to certify the levy with the county and state as required.
Council then adopted Resolution 12.25.06 to approve the city's 2026 budget. During the discussion staff summarized the budget totals and noted line items and transfers that align with the council's capital priorities.
On land-use matters, the council completed second readings of two ordinances. The council held a second reading for Ordinance No. 033, which rezones specified property from R1/R2 (single- and two-family residential) to B4 (highway commercial). Council also completed the second reading for Ordinance No. 034, which establishes zoning for annexed property and identifies nonconforming structures and uses. Both measures were approved without amendment.
Later in the meeting the council approved resolutions to finalize publication language and effective dates: the publication summary for Ordinance 0334 series will note the rezoning in connection with a 12th Avenue South highway expansion project and set an effective date of Dec. 26 to avoid Christmas Day. The council similarly approved publication language for Ordinance 034.
The meeting record shows routine voice votes on these items and does not provide a roll-call tally in the transcript. The council adjourned at 5:51 p.m.
