The Edina City Council approved a preliminary tax levy increase of 11.03% for 2026 during their September 16 meeting, with the majority of the increase attributed to hiring additional firefighter-paramedics.

The preliminary budget allows for hiring 12 firefighters, with the possibility of 18 if the city receives a federal SAFER grant. Fire department staffing emerged as the primary budget driver, accounting for approximately 2.5% of the total levy increase. Without the additional firefighters, the budget increase would have been about 6.5%.

"We are really behind. We are understaffed," said Council Member Risser, explaining that current staffing levels of 9.5 per shift cannot adequately staff three ambulances simultaneously. National standards recommend 16 firefighters for a 2,000-square-foot house fire, while Edina currently falls below 10 per shift.

The council emphasized that the preliminary levy sets a maximum that cannot be increased, though it can be lowered before final adoption in December. Additional work sessions are planned to explore potential reductions and gather public input on the firefighter staffing levels.

For a $500,000 home, the increase would mean an additional $11.53 per month in city property taxes, bringing the total monthly city portion to about $138.70. Despite the increase, Edina's tax rate remains 18.6% lower than the highest comparable city and 5.6% below the average among peer cities.