StoryCounty Budget and Property TaxOctober 28, 2026

Richfield Fortifies Fiscal Health with Budget Adjustments, Eyes Property Tax Stability

The Richfield City Council recently approved a series of financial measures, including updated service fees and bond sales, aimed at strengthening the city's budget and managing property tax implications amidst regional economic challenges.

Published Oct 28, 2026

The Richfield City Council recently took unanimous action to bolster the city's financial framework, approving significant updates to its fee schedule and authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds for critical infrastructure projects. These strategic decisions are designed to ensure responsible fiscal management, recover the costs of municipal services, and finance community improvements, all of which indirectly contribute to the stability of the local property tax burden within Hennepin County.

Among the key approvals was an ordinance amendment to Richfield City Code Appendix D, which governs the city's fee schedule for various permits and services. This comprehensive review aims to align charges with the actual costs of issuance and associated staff time.

City staff annually review fees to determine if changes for permits and services are appropriate. Staff want to ensure the costs of issuance for fees and permits reflect that staff time and costs related to performing the services associated with those fees.
— Council Member Coleman Woods

The thorough review process, which Mayor Supple noted had been discussed multiple times, underscores the city's commitment to transparent and fair cost recovery. By ensuring that fees adequately cover service delivery, the city aims to reduce pressure on the general fund, thereby mitigating potential impacts on property tax levies.

Financing Infrastructure and Enterprise Adjustments

Further demonstrating its commitment to community development, the Council also unanimously approved the sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A. These bonds are designated to fund essential capital improvements, particularly for the city's recreational facilities.

The series 2026A bonds will finance the improvements to the Veterans Park Complex project.
— Council Member Christensen

Other Topics from This Document

Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) Stability
Transportation Projects and County-City Cost Participation
Affordable Housing and Economic Development Initiatives
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Youth Crisis Stabilization and Community Services
Election Integrity and Community Engagement
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Community Services and Arts Commission Reports
City Code and Charter Amendments
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Municipal Liquor Store Operations and City Finances
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Youth Appointments to City Commissions

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Votes (6)

Consent Calendar (Approved Disbursements, Grants, Contract Change Order, and Ordinance)

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Unknown [0:57:44] · Seconded by Unknown [0:57:48]

The Consent Calendar included approval of disbursements and claims, acceptance of Office of Traffic Safety funds for DWI enforcement and a 2027 enforcement grant, approval of a prime contract change order for the Woodlake Nature Center building project, and a second reading of a transitory ordinance funding capital improvements from the liquor special revenue fund. These items were presented for consolidated action.

Ordinance Amendment to Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule)

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Coleman Woods [1:00:46] · Seconded by Unknown [1:00:48]

Council Member Coleman Woods introduced the item to review and amend the city's fee schedule for building, planning, and zoning. The goal was to ensure fees reflect staff costs, align with peer communities, and comply with state statute. A public hearing was held where no comments were received from residents. The council then moved to approve the ordinance amendment and authorize its summary publication.

Ordinance Amending Richfield City Charter (Elections & Petition Requirements)

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Burke [1:03:05] · Seconded by Unknown [1:03:10]

Council Member Burke presented the Charter Commission's recommendation to amend several sections of the Richfield City Charter concerning election petitions. The proposed changes aim to align the charter with Minnesota rules and streamline petition requirements for residents and staff. The council proceeded with the second reading and authorized summary publication of the ordinance, following previous steps including a public hearing and first reading.

Closure of the Shops at Lindale Municipal Liquor Store

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Burke [1:06:43] · Seconded by Unknown [1:06:47]

Council Member Hayford Deliri introduced the staff recommendation to close the Shops at Lindale Municipal Liquor Store due to 19 consecutive years of operating losses and projected financial deterioration. The closure, effective December 31, 2026, aims to avoid significant capital and maintenance investments at that location and redirect resources to the city's three remaining profitable liquor stores. Council members expressed gratitude for the detailed analysis and efforts to mitigate the impact on staff.

Sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Christensen [1:09:29] · Seconded by Unknown [1:09:50]

Council Member Christensen introduced a resolution for the sale of $3,960,000 in general obligation sales tax revenue bonds, Series 2026A. These bonds are designated to finance improvements to the Veterans Park Complex project. The Mayor acknowledged the careful planning involved in spreading out debt to maximize bond value.

Appointment of Youth Commissioners to Various Commissions

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Coleman Woods [1:11:34] · Seconded by Council Member Hayford Deliri [1:11:43]

Council Member Coleman Woods presented the recommended appointments of youth commissioners to city advisory boards. Rodrigo Bumin was appointed to the Human Rights Commission and Miranda Hernandez to the Community Services Commission for one-year terms expiring August 31, 2027. The Mayor expressed appreciation for the youth's willingness to serve and noted the importance of their participation.

Notable Quotes (8)

city staff annually review fees to determine if ch change charges for permits and services are appropriate. Staff want to ensure the costs of issuance for fees and permits reflect that staff time and costs related to performing the services associated with those fees.
— Council Member Coleman Woods [0:58:36]

Ordinance Amendment to Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule)

And I want to thank the staff for the time they took to update everything because I know we've had discussions. This was like the third or fourth time we've seen all of this. So, it was good to go through it.
— Mayor Supple [1:01:29]

Ordinance Amendment to Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule)

The proposed amendments would align the charter with petition form and content requirements established in Minnesota rules and reorganize the charter's petition requirements to make them easier for residents to use and for city staff to administer.
— Council Member Burke [1:01:54]

Ordinance Amending Richfield City Charter (Elections & Petition Requirements)

The recommendation is supported by several factors. First, the Shops at Lindale store had operating losses for 19 consecutive years, averaging $51,000 in annual losses from 2007 through 2023. Second, the store's recent and projected financial performance indicates a continued deterioration in operating results.
—

Ordinances & Resolutions (15)

Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) fundsGrant

Funds for an extension of a 4-year grant to fully fund an officer dedicated to DWI enforcement in Richfield.

Prime contract change order number 016Contract Amendment

Change order for the Woodlake Nature Center building project in the amount of $80,782.88.

Transitory ordinanceOrdinance

Providing funding for certain capital improvements from the liquor store liquor contribution special revenue fund (second reading).

Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) funds from the Minnesota Department of Public SafetyGrant

Funds for a 2027 enforcement grant.

Richfield City Code Appendix DOrdinance Amendment

Amendment to the fee schedule related to building, planning, and zoning fees.

Sections 4.05, 5.04, 5.05, 5.10, 5.12, and 5.15 of the Richfield City Charter

THE RICHFIELD RECORDER

Richfield Fortifies Fiscal Health with Budget Adjustments, Eyes Property Tax Stability

Financing Infrastructure and Enterprise Adjustments

Other Topics from This Document

Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) Stability

Transportation Projects and County-City Cost Participation

Affordable Housing and Economic Development Initiatives

Youth Crisis Stabilization and Community Services

Election Integrity and Community Engagement

Community Services and Arts Commission Reports

City Code and Charter Amendments

Municipal Liquor Store Operations and City Finances

Youth Appointments to City Commissions

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Votes (6)

Notable Quotes (8)

Ordinances & Resolutions (15)

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