Over the past several months in work sessions, staff and Council have reviewed the various City funds, discussed the proposed property tax levy and tax rate, reviewed tax impacts on properties, and considered an updated fee schedule. The work sessions consisted of goal setting, discussing the schedule and process, and seeking direction from the Council on initiatives and expectations for the 2026 budget. Council also heard a presentation regarding the City's Long-Term Financial Management Plan (PDF) (a financial model), personnel, fee schedules, franchise fees, the General Fund, Shorewood Community and Event Center, and the City's four enterprise funds along with estimates of the proposed levy and tax impacts.
The Council is asked to adopt the preliminary budget and levy at the September 22nd regular City Council meeting. The 2026 property tax levy must be certified to Hennepin County by September 30th. After certification, the preliminary levy cannot be increased but it can be decreased. The City will certify the levy to Hennepin County and the information will be used in preparing truth-in-taxation notices sent to property owners in November.
At its September 8, 2025 work session, the Council discussed the addition of a staff engineer. A summary of the assumptions, a transition schedule, and analysis of the financial impact of a staff engineering position is included in the September 22 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Packet (PDF).
Other budget items and related documents on the September 22 agenda include:
The Truth-in-taxation public meeting on the proposed 2026 budget and property tax levy is scheduled to be held at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025