The Woodbury City Council approved a preliminary 2026 property tax levy of nearly $58 million Tuesday night, representing a 10.7% increase that officials called the largest in at least 15 years.

The $57.99 million levy will result in an estimated $130 annual increase for the median-valued home, bringing the average monthly city tax bill to $124. City Administrator Jeff Dahl attributed the significant increase to three primary factors: fully staffing public safety departments, rising operational costs including state-mandated paid family leave, and serving a growing community.

"We have a fully staffed public safety facility and we're funding the positions out of operations and not one-time funds," Dahl told the council. The city swore in seven new police officers earlier in the meeting, highlighting recent successful recruitment efforts. The state's new paid family leave program, beginning January 1, 2026, will cost the city approximately $134,000 in the general fund alone.

Council members acknowledged the difficulty of the increase while defending the city's service levels. Mayor Anne Burt noted that residents receive significant value for $124 monthly, comparing it favorably to typical cell phone or internet bills. "Would I like it to be less? Absolutely," Burt said. "But it's got to get done."

The council will hold a truth and taxation public hearing December 10 at 7:30 p.m., where residents can provide feedback before the final budget approval. The preliminary levy can only be reduced, not increased, from the approved amount. A budget workshop is scheduled for November 5 to further refine the proposal based on community input.