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Buhl reviews 2026 preliminary budget and schedules Truth-in-Taxation hearing
Summary
Council updated progress on the 2026 preliminary budget and levy process, confirmed another budget working session on Dec. 11 and scheduled the Truth-in-Taxation hearing for Dec. 2 at 6:01 p.m. at the Buhl Kinney Senior Center.
City staff updated the council on the preliminary 2026 budget and levy progress on Nov. 18 and reminded the public of upcoming budget-related events.
Staff reported four budget planning working sessions have occurred (Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13) and at least one more is scheduled for Dec. 11. The council's goal is to finalize budget decisions by Dec. 16 and certify the final levy to the St. Louis County Auditor by Dec. 26, 2025. The preliminary levy approved on Sept. 16 is $521,000 and staff continued to examine department line items to reduce the levy impact.
The council also reminded residents that the Truth-in-Taxation meeting and hearing will take place no earlier than 6:01 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2025 at the Buhl Kinney Senior Center as part of that night's council meeting. Staff cautioned there are few available revenue sources under local control and that some funding streams are determined outside the city's authority.
Other items noted during the meeting that bear on budget planning include a potential city policy decision about covering Minnesota Paid Leave premiums (staff indicated the city proposes covering 100% of employer-paid premiums for employees) and federal procurement constraints affecting infrastructure bids.
