Oakdale City Council — Transcript

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Truth and taxation public hearing

2026 property tax levy adoption

2026 city budget, general fund, and special funds

2026-2030 capital improvement plan (CIP) adoption

Approval of workshop and regular meeting minutes

Oakdale garage lofts live-work units development proposal

Rezoning and conditional use permit (CUP) requests

Highway 36 noise variance

Areas of Interest (5)

Oakdale city debt decreases for the sixth consecutive year, reaching its lowest point since 2017.
City implements new police department behavioral and mental health support services for 2026.
Council approves the 'Garage Lofts' live-work unit development project near Highway 36.
Proposed tax levy reduced from 7% to 6.2% following the September preliminary assessment.
City shifts strategy to avoid 'credit card' style debt for vehicle and equipment purchases, favoring direct budget allocation.

Votes (2)

Adopt resolution 2025-110 adopting the 2026 property tax levy and various city budgets

ApprovedUnanimous voice vote

Moved by Council Member · Seconded by Council Member

Adopt resolution 2025-109 approving 2026-2030 CIP and 2026 projects

ApprovedUnanimous voice vote

Moved by Council Member · Seconded by Council Member

Notable Quotes (2)

The goal of the truth and taxation meeting is to enhance transparency and public engagement regarding property taxes.
— Ivonne Steppenoff

Tax TransparencyIntroduction to the truth and taxation portion of the meeting.

We are so incredibly proud of our debt level as a city decreasing for the sixth year in a row.
— Mayor Zabel

City Debt ManagementDuring the discussion on the 2026 budget adoption.

People (7)

ZabelMayor

Presides over the meeting and facilitates public hearings.

Ivonne SteppenoffFinance Director

Presented the 2026 budget, property tax levy, and Truth and Taxation report.

1 quote

“The goal of the truth and taxation meeting is to enhance transparency and public engagement regarding property taxes.”

Explaining the legislative requirement for the public hearing.

LukeStaff Member

Presented details regarding the Garage Lofts development proposal.

MooreCouncil Member

Present for roll call.

MorhamCouncil Member

Present for roll call.

SeversonCouncil Member

Present for roll call.

RichCouncil Member

Present for roll call.

Places Mentioned

Oakdale, MN6138 Highway 36 Boulevard NorthWashington CountyEastgate Apartments

Events & Meetings (3)

December 9, 2025: Oakdale City Council regular meeting
September 9, 2025: Date the preliminary levy was set
November 25, 2025: Workshop and regular meeting (minutes approval)

Ordinances & Resolutions (2)

2025-110

Adoption of the 2026 property tax levy, general fund, special revenue fund, debt service fund, capital project fund, and enterprise fund budgets.

2025-109

Approval of the 2026-2030 capital improvement plan and authorization of fiscal year 2026 projects, vehicles, and equipment.

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