Every two weeks, City Administrator Todd Prafke shares a short video update on the latest projects, services, and behind-the-scenes topics that matter most to Saint Peter residents. This week's topic: In this episode of the State of the City Vlog, City Administrator Todd Prafke answers some of the most common questions about the proposed 2027 City budget and explains how the budget connects to the services, staffing, equipment, and priorities of the community. Rather than looking at the budget as simply a collection of numbers, this episode explores the budget as a plan for providing City services and responsibly funding the resources needed to support them. In this episode, we cover: The proposed levy and tax rate: Why an 8.6% increase in the City levy does not mean an 8.6% increase in City property taxes, and how changes in tax capacity affect the projected City tax rate. Where the money goes: How personnel, public safety, parks, streets, equipment, and other operational and capital needs factor into the budget. The use of reserves: Why the proposed budget uses reserves for planned, one-time capital expenditures and how the City's projected fund balance remains within its established policy range. What residents can expect to see in 2027: From public safety staffing and vehicles to park improvements, and more. What happens next: How the budget and levy process will continue as the City Council works toward adopting the final levy. The budget is more than numbers on a page—it reflects the services the community relies on, the resources needed to provide them, and the priorities the City Council has established. Stay informed on the 2027 budget and other City Council decisions through meeting packets, minutes, and meeting recordings in the Agenda Center! Agenda Center: https://www.saintpetermn.gov/AgendaCe... Want to stay in the know about what is happening in Saint Peter? Sign up for the Hot Sheet, Saint Peter's bi-weekly newsletter, where you get all the city news you need to know, plus a little bit more. Subscribe Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/s...