Forest Lake Truth in Taxation December 9th, 2024

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Areas of Interest (4)

Forest Lake approves a final 2025 property tax levy increase of 9.87% after initial discussions reached as high as 13.54%.
City officials use surplus funds and state Public Safety Aid to offset levy impacts for infrastructure and equipment.
Residents express frustration over tax hikes, calling for accountability and increases no higher than 5%.
The city admits to ongoing deferred maintenance in parks, highlighting a gap between current service levels and resident expectations.

Approve resolution 12-9-24-01 to adopt the final budget for 2025

PassedUnanimous (implied)

Moved by Mayor Bane · Seconded by Not specified

Approve resolution 12-09-24-02 for the 10-year Capital and financial plan

PassedUnanimous (implied)

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

I am strongly opposed to this increase given the current economic environment. The city needs to be accountable.
— Chris Voxin

Tax increase oppositionEmail read into the record regarding the 14.1% increase on his property tax statement.

The total Levy is being proposed at just over 16.4 million which is an increase of about 9.87% from the 2024 tax levy.
— Kevin

Budget figuresExplaining the finalized tax levy figures for the 2025 budget.

I've been a proponent of gosh we've really got this is painful but it doesn't get any easier and we need to recover these gaps.
— Mayor Bane

Budget prioritiesExplaining the necessity of budget increases to fund deferred park maintenance.

KevinCity Staff

Walked council through the 2025 budget and tax levy highlights and adjustments.

Mayor BaneMayor

Presided over the meeting, facilitated public comment, and led council discussions.

1 quote

“It is a 9.87% increase... we recognize it's a challenging couple of years from a city tax perspective.”

Describing the levy increase and its impact on residents.

Chris VoxinResident

Submitted an email regarding the proposed property tax increase.

1 quote

“The city needs to be accountable to the taxpayers of forest lake by staying within 5% increase.”

Stating opposition to the 14.1% increase in his specific property tax statement.

Council Member EriksonCouncil Member

Participated in the budget hearing and provided comments on fiscal responsibility.

Forest Lake217th Street NorthSouthwest quadrantDowntown Forest Lake

12-9-24-01

Adoption of the final city budget for 2025.

12-09-24-02

Approval of the 10-year Capital Improvement and financial management plan.