Oak Grove City Council — Transcript
Monday, September 14, 2026
Supreme Court Ruling on Election Rosters and Election Integrity
Interim Use Permits (IUP) and Residential Compatibility
Community Art for New City Hall
Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement
Fire Department Operations and Equipment Acquisition
Public Works Infrastructure Projects
Code Enforcement Policy
Veterans Memorial Project Planning
Future City Hall Building Use and Full-Time Fire Chief
Votes (3)
Proclamation on Constitution Week
Dissent: None
Moved by Paul Tradewell/Council Member [0:7:45] · Seconded by Angie Bray Johnson/Council Member [0:7:47]
Mayor Ralph read Proclamation No. 2026-02, designating September 17th through 23rd, 2026, as Constitution Week. The proclamation commemorates the 239th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution's drafting and encourages citizens to reaffirm the ideals of its framers, vigilantly protecting guaranteed freedoms.
Adoption of Preliminary 2027 Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget
Dissent: None
Moved by Paul Tradewell/Council Member [1:18:25] · Seconded by Angie Bray Johnson/Council Member [1:18:28]
Finance Director Carrie presented the proposed 2027 General Fund Budget and Preliminary Property Tax Levy, focusing on maintaining essential services, balancing rising operational costs, and using $187,000 of available fund balance. The levy showed an overall increase of $117,219, equating to a 2.5% levy increase, but due to increased tax capacity, the city tax rate is projected to decrease. Council Member Tradewell raised a concern about underfunding for future fire equipment replacement, suggesting increased contributions or pushing out replacement dates. Mayor Ralph discussed the challenges of balancing needs vs. wants, the city's low tax rate, and the decision to use a portion of last year's revenue surplus to soften the levy increase, while also advocating for long-term capital planning.
Adoption of Preliminary 2027 EDA Levy
Dissent: None
Moved by Paul Tradewell/Council Member [1:19:59] · Seconded by Angie Bray Johnson/Council Member [1:20:2]
The council considered the preliminary 2027 EDA (Economic Development Authority) levy. It was noted that this marks the third or fourth consecutive year that the city has levied zero dollars for the EDA, indicating a consistent policy decision regarding this specific funding area.
Notable Quotes (4)
Whereas September 17, 2026 marks the 239th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. And whereas it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable memorable sorry anniversary and to per and to patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion...
The budget tonight proposes using approximately 187,000 of available fund balance to reduce pressure on the tax levy. Local governmental aid still remains at zero, meaning that the city services continue to be funded primarily by local taxpayers.
By only putting 100,000 into the public safety this year, I show us having a shortfall unless we basically if we if we would if we don't next year and the following years, we'll have to average about $267,000 per year to have the money there when we need to replace the 2013 freight liner.
The levy is one component of the resident's overall tax bill along with the county school district and other taxing districts. But this um you can see under the proposed 2027 levy that those are our proposed general fund capital levies and then the debt service levy to um assist with paying for the bonds which you can see a overall increase from 2026 of $117,219 which equates to 2.5% levy.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Proclamation for Constitution Week in the City of Oak Grove.
Guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States designating September 17th through 23rd as Constitution Week.
Interim Use Permit for a property at 18475 Rum River Boulevard, subject of a resident's complaint.
Adopting the preliminary 2027 property tax levy and general fund budget.
The city's financial plan for supporting services and infrastructure in 2027.
The proposed property tax levy for the city in 2027, subject to future adjustments downwards.
City's long-term planning document, budgeted in 2026 and decreasing expense in 2027.
Adopting the preliminary 2027 EDA (Economic Development Authority) levy.
The proposed budget and levy for the Economic Development Authority for 2027, noted as having a zero levy for several years.
Future comprehensive plan, discussed as a potential area for early funding.