Presentation of the 2026 Revised/2027 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy
City staff presented the preliminary 2026 Revised and 2027 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy to the Richfield City Council, including a proposed 4.55% increase in the city tax levy over 2026 and a 2.16% increase in the General Fund budget. The presentation also covered Special Revenue, Enterprise, Internal Service, and Debt Service funds, plus the 2027 Capital Improvement Budget and 2028-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. No vote was taken; the Council will be asked to formally approve the preliminary budget and levy at its September 22, 2026 meeting.
Key figure: 4.55% — Proposed increase in the 2027 city tax levy over the 2026 adopted levy
Potential benefit
The budget funds core city services, capital projects, and staffing across departments, including public safety, fire, and community development initiatives that residents rely on.
Concern to consider
A 4.55% increase in the city tax levy will raise the amount of property tax revenue the city collects in 2027, which could translate into higher property tax bills for residents depending on individual property valuations.
What happens next: The City Council will be asked to approve the preliminary 2026 Revised/2027 Proposed budget and preliminary tax levy at the September 22, 2026 City Council meeting.
The consent calendar included routine approval of City disbursements and claims, covering accounts payable checks and payroll processed in recent weeks.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Sep 22
BCA Master Joint Powers Agreement for Criminal Justice Data Network Access
The council considered approving a Master Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and a related Court Data Services subscriber amendment, giving the Richfield Police Department continued access to the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network (CJDN) used for criminal record and law enforcement data lookups.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Sep 22
The council considered approving an agreement with H/J Law to continue providing prosecution services for the City of Richfield, covering the handling of municipal criminal cases.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Sep 22
Water Treatment Plant Feasibility Study Work Order with HDR Engineering
The council considered approving a $189,050 work order with HDR Engineering, Inc. to conduct a feasibility study for a potential water treatment plant, an early planning step for possible future upgrades to Richfield's water infrastructure.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Sep 22
Key figure: $189,050 — Work order with HDR Engineering, Inc. for a water treatment plant feasibility study
Potential benefit
Begins evaluation of options to improve water treatment infrastructure, which could affect long-term water quality and reliability.
Concern to consider
The $189,050 study cost is an initial step that could lead to a much larger future capital project funded through utility rates.
What happens next: If approved, HDR Engineering would begin the feasibility study; findings would inform future Council decisions on water treatment infrastructure investment.
First Reading: Fire Prevention Code Amendments (Sections 400.21 and 400.22)
The council held a first reading of an ordinance amending city code subsection 400.21 and adding a new subsection 400.22 related to fire prevention, updating local fire safety regulations that apply to properties in Richfield.
final tally arrives with the minutes, expected ~Sep 22
Council members were scheduled to use this recurring discussion segment to recognize notable community achievements, events, or contributions in Richfield.