At a work session on September 17, council members agreed to send the preliminary 2025 tax levy to a regular meeting for formal certification, despite concerns about how residents will react to the double-digit increase.

City Manager Scott Neil told the council that "public safety expansion really is the big thing that's driving our 13% levy increase for the upcoming year." Staff clarified that 5.46 percentage points of the total increase stems solely from Fire Station 2 debt service and new public safety staffing. The remaining increase reflects rising healthcare costs, inflation, and a shift in tax burden from commercial to residential property owners as commercial property values have declined.

Council Member Pierce acknowledged the political challenge ahead, noting that "13.14% is very large" and asking how the city can explain the increase to taxpayers. Mayor Hovland expressed concern about facing public criticism without adequate justification, saying he doesn't want to "go into a public hearing when we're just going to hear people say it's too high." Council members requested clearer messaging about cost-containment efforts for healthcare and technology services. Council Member Risser voiced concern about funding levels versus service delays but did not formally dissent.

The council also discussed a $46.2 million backlog in deferred maintenance across city facilities, with Edinburgh USA golf course and fire facilities identified as critical needs. Members debated whether to delay a proposed $27 million golf clubhouse project to reduce the levy increase. Braemar Ice Arena was identified for $13.1 million in repairs using local option sales tax revenue.

In a separate matter, the council reached consensus to increase funding for the Edina Historical Society from $20,000 to $100,000 annually through a three-year service contract. However, members attached conditions requiring the organization to expand its focus beyond settler history. Council Member Risser challenged the society to include indigenous and Black history in its programming, calling it "a society primarily about settler heritage." The contract will include diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics and performance requirements.