St. Louis Park holds fees flat for special districts in 2027
The St. Louis Park City Council approved keeping service charges unchanged for most of its six special service districts next year, a rare move in an inflationary economy. The decision, made at Tuesday's meeting, means residents won't see increases in fees for services provided by these districts, which maintain and improve specific neighborhoods throughout the city.
The council held a public hearing on the 2027 budgets and service charges for Special Service Districts 1 through 6, which provide targeted services to different areas of St. Louis Park. Kayla Fischer, the city's Public Services Superintendent, presented the proposal, noting that staff kept all district budgets flat except for District 6, which saw a slight decrease. "Each of the districts had enough funds in reserves," Fischer explained, "so this year we determined that we would be able to keep the service charges flat for 2027."
No residents testified during the public hearing. Council members praised the decision, with one noting how unusual it is to avoid fee increases during inflationary times. "I just wanted to comment on how wonderful it is to see no increases in an economy right now where we're seeing a lot of increases," the council member said. District 1 is also up for reauthorization for another 10-year period. The council will formally adopt these budgets and service charges on September 8th.
Separately, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance adopting the city's 2027 fee schedule. Most city fees will increase by 3.5% to keep pace with inflation, while some rarely used fees will be eliminated. However, Council Member Brosen specifically flagged trash collection fees as one area where residents will see increases. "I just want people to be aware of that and come forward between now and September 22nd," Brosen said, inviting public comment before the final vote. "If you have any objection to this, please let us know." The second reading is scheduled for September 22nd, 2026.
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Votes (4)
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Moved by Council Member Ferris [Timestamp] · Seconded by Council Member [Timestamp]
Council Member Bud requested a correction to the Special Study Session meeting minutes of August 3rd, 2026, specifically regarding the repeated listing of 'Deputy Chief Sodom' as 'Mr.' instead of his full title. The minutes were then approved with this amendment.
Consent Items Approval
Moved by Council Member [Timestamp] · Seconded by Council Member [Timestamp]
The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Council Member Bodwin highlighted item 5e, noting that Dom FKs was the first entity to utilize a recent city code change aligning with state statute to allow microbreweries and microdistilleries to obtain temporary liquor licenses, which contributes to the city's business-friendly environment.
Public Hearing for 2027 Special Service Districts (SSD) 1-6
Kayla Fischer, Public Services Superintendent, presented the proposed 2027 budgets and service charges for the city's six Special Service Districts. The proposal included keeping most budgets and all service charges flat for 2027, due to sufficient reserve funds, with a slight decrease for SSD6. SSD1 is also up for reauthorization for a 10-year period. No public testimony was received, and the council expressed appreciation for the flat service charges.
First Reading of Ordinance Adopting 2027 Fees
Moved by Council Member [Timestamp] · Seconded by Council Member [Timestamp]
Joe presented the proposed 2027 fee schedule, noting a general 3.5% increase to combat inflation. Several rarely used fees were identified for elimination, and new printing sizes were added. Utility billing and admin fees will be finalized at the second reading. Council Member Brosen urged public awareness of trash collection fee increases and invited public comments before the final vote.
Notable Quotes (6)
I'd just like to note on the special study session meeting minutes of August 3rd, 2026, um our deputy chief sodom was listed as Mr. repeatedly as opposed to deputy chief of police. Possibly that could be corrected.
This spring uh May June time frame, we uh changed our uh city code to align with uh state statute to allow micro breweries, micro distilleries to obtain uh temporary uh liquor licenses. Uh Dom FKs is the uh first to uh take advantage of that uh change to our city code. So uh you know again uh helping uh St. Louis Park be uh be businessfriendly.
staff have kept all budgets flat in districts with the exception of district six where the budget was decreased. uh each of the districts had enough funds in reserves... this year we determined that we would be able to keep the service charges flat for 2027.
I just wanted to comment on um how wonderful it is to see no increases in an in an economy. Right now we're seeing a lot of increases. So um I wanted to compliment people on their great budgeting work there and um and uh I love driving through and visiting those those districts because they um really add something to the city. So thanks.
The majority of the fees are seeing about a 3.5% increase to keep up with inflation.
the taxpayers are going to see us increase in their trash collection services and uh I just want people to be aware of that and come forward between now and September 22nd. If you have any objection to this, please let us know.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote.
Official declaration by the city observing Women's Equality Day.
Amended to allow microbreweries/distilleries temporary liquor licenses.
Aligned with city code regarding liquor licenses and outlines SSD notification requirements.
Minutes from a previous meeting that required a correction for a speaker's title.
Financial plans and fees for the city's special service districts for the upcoming year.
Proposed ordinance to establish the city's fee schedule for the upcoming year.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Women's Equality Day 2026 Proclamation
Recognition of City Donations
2027 Special Service Districts (SSD) Budget and Service Charges Public Hearing
2027 Fee Adoption Ordinance (First Reading)
Community Events and Engagements
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