Emily council adopts 2026 preliminary budget, approves series of purchases and ordinances; special budget meeting set

The Emily City Council on Dec. 10 adopted a 2026 preliminary General Fund budget that balances receipts and disbursements at $1,944,554.28 and set a preliminary city tax levy that is 5% higher than 2025. Mayor Tracy Jones opened the Truth in Taxation public hearing before the council approved the preliminary numbers.

The council recorded proposed levy additions including Debt Service Fund 303 for the 2012 City Hall bond at $56,800, DSF 304 for the 2014 Road Improvement Bond at $41,650, and the Sewer Refunding Bond in Fund 602 at $114,449.25. Remaining balances listed at the hearing included $130,000 on the 2012 City Hall bond, $205,000 on the 2014 Road Improvement Bond and $820,000 on the Sewer Refunding Bond. The 2026 General Fund preliminary budget is an 8% increase over 2025. The City reported it has received 58% of 2025 budgeted funds to date (excluding December property tax receipts) and spent 65% of the 2025 budgeted funds to date before transfers for projects.

The council also approved a range of planned 2026 projects, including an emergency generator for City Hall (estimated $65,000 pending grant), a brush rig for the Fire and Rescue Department ($25,000), Fire and Rescue Hall renovation ($12,500), Park phase 3 improvements ($15,000), a two-year street improvement savings plan ($127,540.79), and equipment purchases including a Bobcat ($40,000), a grader ($75,000) and a used spray injection patcher plan ($10,000). The council noted the City must maintain at least 50% of the next year’s tax levy in the General Fund and that the City is on target to meet that requirement.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda and consent agenda: motion passed, roll-call unanimous. Consent agenda included November 2025 Treasurer’s Report showing ending checking balance $1,604,955.23 and claims of $208,994.97. - Purchase of 2025 Ford F-150 for EMS (Midway Ford) for $43,706.16: approved, unanimous. - Wage Schedule Policy revision for Fire and Rescue (meeting/training pay increase to $25 retroactive to Dec. 1, 2025): approved, unanimous. - Resolution 25-48 accepting $5,000 donation from the Emily Firemen’s Relief Association: approved, unanimous. - Boost Funds grant application to Sourcewell ($1,814.99 request): approved, unanimous. - Purchase of jackets for all Fire and Rescue members ($1,500 from EMS uniforms budget; remainder by Relief Association): approved, unanimous. - Interim Ordinance 25-02 (one-year moratorium on use of steel storage containers): adopted, unanimous. - Ordinance 25-04 amending Chapter 154 (Cannabis Businesses) to allow lower-potency hemp edible retailers (pending city attorney review): approved, unanimous. - Crow Wing County cost-share invoice for 2025 road resurfacing (Par West Drive and Yellow Birch Lane) for $137,930.92: approved, unanimous. - Computer and dual monitors purchase (Tremolo) for $1,952.90 using Sourcewell Boost Funds: approved, unanimous. - Reimbursement to rental property owner Randal Moritz for $3,510 (fee calculation error 2019–2025): approved, unanimous. - Audit engagement with Clasen & Schiessl CPAs for $15,740 for 2026 audit services: approved, unanimous. - Resolution 25-49 to participate in regional SS4A planning (Brainerd Lakes Area Vulnerable Users Plan): approved, unanimous; Councilmember Daniel Brennan volunteered as liaison. - Appointment of Councilmember Andrew Hemphill as Animal Enforcement Officer: approved (Hemphill abstained from the vote; motion passed). - Resolution 25-51 revising the 2025 adopted budget: adopted, unanimous.

Why it matters

The preliminary budget and levy set the fiscal framework for the city’s projects and debt payments in 2026; several purchases and grant applications approved Tuesday affect public safety readiness and planned capital work. The council scheduled special meetings on Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 to finalize the 2026 budget and to continue discussion of the Fire and Rescue chief selection process.

The council’s recorded motions and roll-call tallies are from the Dec. 10 meeting minutes and provide the formal basis for next steps in budgeting and procurement.