Edina approves 11% tax levy increase for 2026 budget
The Edina City Council approved a preliminary property tax levy of $65.5 million on October 1st, representing an 11% increase from the current year. The council will make a final decision in December after learning whether the city receives a federal grant to help fund new firefighter positions.
City Manager Scott Neil presented a budget strategy designed to balance the council's competing priorities: limiting tax increases, maintaining public safety, and finding new revenue sources. "We started our process early this year because we had some fiscal targets that the council gave us and we wanted to meet those targets," Neil said. "A lot of hard decisions were made including losing some co-workers that we've grown accustomed to here."
The preliminary levy of $65.5 million exceeds the council's preferred 10% increase target, but the city set it higher to ensure funding for 12 new paramedic firefighters who would operate three ambulances around the clock more frequently. If Edina receives a federal SAFER grant—which funds emergency responder positions—the council indicated it will lower the final levy before December adoption. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd.
In other business, the council approved a front-entry modification at 4630 Edgebrook Place in the historic Country Club District, overriding the Heritage Preservation Commission's denial. The homeowners sought to address water intrusion and safety hazards by adding a step, removing a fan transom window, and installing a new arched door. The preservation commission had objected, arguing that arched doors aren't typical of colonial revival homes and that the fan transom is a defining feature. After hearing from the homeowner's architect, the council approved the project, determining that a custom arched door could reflect the original fan transom design while maintaining historic character.
The council also received an informational presentation on Braar Golf Course's new autonomous technology and sustainability initiatives. The facility deployed autonomous mowers operating 24/7 around the clubhouse and driving range, saving approximately 8 labor hours per week. Eight electric caddies with autonomous follow-along capability now serve patrons who want to walk but need assistance. "We try and be innovators," golf course staff said. "Not too many facilities in Minnesota have these at this point." The facility plans to expand autonomous equipment in 2026, including additional mowers and an autonomous range ball picker.
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Votes (3)
2026 Property Tax Levy and Budget Direction
City Manager Scott Neil presented a comprehensive budget strategy addressing council directives to limit tax levy increases, maintain public safety investments, explore service consolidation with Hennepin County, and identify new revenue sources. The strategy included limiting department budget growth, reducing staff positions, implementing utility franchise fees, prioritizing capital projects, managing vacancies, and adjusting debt service to accommodate a new fire station. The council approved a preliminary levy of $65.5 million pending the outcome of a federal SAFER grant application.
Historic Property Modification at 4630 Edgebrook Place
Homeowners requested approval to modify the front entry to address water intrusion and safety hazards caused by a lowered interior floor. The proposal included adding a step, removing the fan transom window, and replacing the entry with a new arched door. The Heritage Preservation Commission denied the request, citing that arched doors are not typical of colonial revival homes and that the fan transom is a defining feature. After hearing from the homeowner's architect, the council approved the project, determining that a custom arched door could reflect the original fan transom design.
Braar Golf Course Autonomous Technology and Sustainability Upgrades
Braar Golf Course implemented autonomous mowing technology and electric caddy systems to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Two autonomous Crest mowers operate 24/7 around the clubhouse and driving range, covering approximately 75% of turf and saving approximately 8 labor hours per week. Eight Tempo Walk electric caddies provide autonomous follow-along capability for walking patrons. The facility plans to expand autonomous equipment in 2026, including additional mowers and an autonomous range ball picker. Future sustainability initiatives include battery-powered backpack blowers to reduce noise and emissions.
Notable Quotes (5)
We started our process early this year because we had some fiscal targets uh that the council gave us and we wanted to meet those targets. Uh a lot of hard decisions were made including losing some co-workers that we've uh grown accustomed to here. Uh but we were able to meet our targets and we'll continue to work on those later this fall.
Arch doors are not typical of colonial revival homes and that the fan transom is a defining feature of the property.
You got two doors here. You got the inner door, the heavy door, and then you've got that outer door. And if you can make that outer door, whether it's a storm door insert or the serene insert, look like it has that fan sort of effect, I think that's probably something to think about.
We probably saved at least 8 hours a week with staff not having to come up here. And with that 8 hours, we've saved on labor. We were able to move that out on the golf course for other projects.
We try and be innovators, right? Not too many facilities in in Minnesota have these at this point. So, uh, we kind of like being on the forefront. And then I think there was demand from patrons just from year-end surveys and and other such things. There's a group of people that still want to walk but just can't.
Ordinances & Resolutions (2)
City budget with preliminary tax levy of $65.5 million (11% increase); final adoption scheduled for December
Grant program for which the city applied to fund six paramedic firefighters; pending award status affects final levy amount
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Other Topics from This Document
Fire Department Staffing and Emergency Medical Services
Historic Preservation in Country Club District
Braar Golf Course Technology and Sustainability Initiatives
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