City Council Gives Preliminary Approval to 2027 Budget, Reduced Property Tax Levy
Following extensive staff review and re-evaluation of park bond issuances, the proposed property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year has been brought down to 8.93% from an initial 15%.
The Apple Valley City Council granted preliminary approval to the 2027 City Budget and its associated property tax levy at a recent meeting, setting the total proposed levy at 8.93%. This figure represents a significant reduction from an initial proposal of 15%, a result of diligent work by city staff to refine financial projections and re-evaluate the timing of park bond issuances. The decision moves the city closer to finalizing its fiscal blueprint for the upcoming year.
The approved 8.93% property tax levy is composed of two primary components: a 6.76% increase designated for operating expenses and a 2.17% increase specifically allocated for park bond issuances. This structure aims to balance the city's operational needs with its ongoing commitment to enhancing public recreational facilities.
Since then, staff's worked very diligently to go through all of the costs in the budget at a detailed level, and we've also done a re-evaluation of our park bond issuances. Therefore, we'll be issuing the remaining park bonds over 2026 and 2027, which brought down the debt service to $891,000 for 2027. And the affiliated levy will be 6.76% for the operating levy and 2.17% for the park bond issuance bringing the total levy down to 8.93%.
Impact on Residents and Community Investments
For the median value home in Apple Valley, the cumulative impact of all debt issuances, including the park bonds, is projected to reach $481 per year. Specifically, the maximum increase attributable solely to the total issuance of the park bonds is estimated at $253.
I think starting out with the idea of a 15% tax levy and bringing it down to 8.93 is... appreciate all staff's work to really sharpen those pencils and kind of figure out how to move this around to lessen the impact while still balancing and keeping our services to our community at the level that they're at.
The preliminary approval marks a key step in the annual budget process. While the current levy is set at 8.93%, the city will continue to refine the budget before its final adoption, ensuring fiscal responsibility and the continued provision of high-quality services to Apple Valley residents.
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Votes (5)
Proclamation of Pat Sicho Day
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Grenle [22:15] · Seconded by Council Member Bergman [22:18]
The item celebrated Pat Sicho's 40+ years of volunteer service to Apple Valley's Freedom Days, particularly her role in organizing the parade and ensuring the event's success. Council members and staff expressed gratitude, and Pat Sicho herself acknowledged the crucial contributions of her team and city staff. The proclamation officially designated September 10th, 2026 as Pat Sicho Day.
General Obligation Bond Series 2026A
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Bergman [32:50] · Seconded by Council Member Melander [32:53]
Candy presented the plan for issuing $14.3 million in park referendum bonds (voter-approved in 2023). She outlined the issuance calendar, including rating calls with Moody's and S&P, bond sale, and proceeds availability. The bonds will fund various park and community facility projects. The presentation also detailed the impact of these and other bonds on property taxes, projecting a peak increase of $253 per year for park bonds and a total of $481 per year for all debt issuances on a median value home.
Approve Municipal Advisory Service Agreement with Northland Securities
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Heert [33:30] · Seconded by Council Member Grenle [33:32]
Following the approval of the bond resolution, the council moved to approve the agreement with Northland Securities, which provides municipal advisory services for the bond issuance.
Proposed 2027 City Budget and Property Tax Levy
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Heber [1:11:45] · Seconded by Council Member Bergman [1:11:50]
Candy presented the preliminary 2027 budget, detailing the process, budget climate, and the revised levy increase of 8.93% (down from an initial 15.38% estimate). Key drivers for the increase include park bond debt service, COLA/step increases, contractor costs, and new positions. Strategies to mitigate the increase involved managing bond issuances and preserving grants. The median home value increase was 2.02%, resulting in an estimated $172 annual tax increase for the median home. Enterprise funds, not tax-supported, also saw proposed rate increases (e.g., 7% for water/sewer/streetlights). Council members acknowledged staff's work in reducing the levy and requested further information on specific cost impacts, such as those from the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.
Set 2027 Public Budget Meeting (Truth in Taxation Hearing)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member Heert [1:12:45] · Seconded by Council Member Grenle [1:12:47]
The council set the date for the 2027 public budget meeting, also known as the truth in taxation hearing, for December 10th, 2026.
Notable Quotes (8)
Pat has been uh very involved in Freedom Days for, I don't know, 40 plus years. So, a very long time. And most people in the community probably really don't know how does Freedom Days happen and a lot of people might think it's done by the city, but it's really not. Certainly the city's involved in it, but it's people like Pat Sasho and the group and her committee that make sure that Freedom Days happens every year, year in and year out without a hitch.
I in the 40 plus years that I've chaired this event, I have had so many wonderful, wonderful volunteers, true arts, true committed people, and there's way too many for me to mention and I don't want to forget anybody.
I really want to thank all the city staff, police, and fire. You guys have been awesome. and um and all the departments in this city. It's uh I can't thank them enough for the support.
The 2026A park referendum bonds, the investments include overall the park referendum bonds, the development of Kelly Park, we did the redevelopment of Redwood Park which include included the replacement of the community pool. Additional improvements are the community center improvements in the senior center which are well underway. We have the Hayes youth baseball and softball complex. The parks and trails throughout our community. The Splash Valley Family Aquatic Center was completed and the Hayes Arena has already been completed.
In total, the max is going to go up to $253 for the total issuance of the park bonds. The impact to our median value home does reach $481 a year. And this is with all of our debt issuances.
Since then, staff's worked very diligently to go through all of the costs in the budget at a detailed level, and we've also done a a re-evaluation of our park bond issuances. Therefore, we'll be issuing the remaining park bonds over 2026 and 2027, which brought down the debt service to 891,000 for 2027. And the affiliated levy will be 6.76% for the operating levy and 2.17% for the park bond issuance bringing the total levy down to 8.93%.
A reduction of X results in what? So, right, if you slice 250 grand out of the budget, how does that impact the whole thing? And you can kind of put that a little bit in perspective then of what that impact is.
I think you know starting out with the idea of a 15% tax levy and bringing it down to 8.93 is you know appreciate you know all staff's work to really sharpen those pencils and kind of figure out how to move this move this around to uh lessen the impact while still balancing and keeping our our services to our community um kind of at the level that they're at.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Authorizes the sale method and process for the park referendum bonds.
Approves the engagement of Northland Securities for advisory services related to the bond issuance.
Official declaration recognizing Pat Sicho's extensive volunteer contributions to Freedom Days.
Adopts the preliminary budget and sets the maximum property tax levy for certification to the county.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Resident Concerns: Lake Weed Control and Water Safety
Recognition of Volunteer Service for Freedom Days
General Obligation Bond Issuance for Park Referendum Projects
Kelly Park Grand Opening Event
Public Safety in the Park Event
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